Islam Makhachev sits alone atop the MMA pound-for-pound rankings, the clear best athlete in the sport following years of dominance. Once his days competing inside the cage are over, however, the Russian has entertained a potential move over to boxing.
UFC CEO Dana White has a new baby to nurture in the shape of Zuffa Boxing. The new organization has already made a splash, signing elite-level talent to its roster as it promises to rival and one day take over a sport that White believes has long been suffering a progressive decline. In the year since its founding, Zuffa Boxing has already garnered much interest from potential fighters, with martial artists believing they now have a clear path to compete in their combat sport counterpart should they one day wish to put on the 8-to-10-ounce gloves
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The latest to make a case for a boxing transition is current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. While Makhachev still has a lot of fight left in him at 34 years old, he recently revealed that talks have taken place about his inclusion in Zuffa Boxing.
“Man, we had good talks about the boxing match in Zuffa Boxing,” Makhachev said. “We spoke with Sheikh Turki, and I don’t know if it’s a secret or not, but he said, ‘When you are ready for boxing, just let me know and we will do something.'”
“Yeah, why not? Box with some other fighters, why not?
Dana White has shut down any chance of UFC fighters featuring on Zuffa Boxing cards, hoping to truly keep the two sports separate.
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But Turki Alalshikh is keen on welcoming Islam Makhachev to the ring. With Turki’s blessing, Makhachev could have a home in Zuffa Boxing should he decide to take that route during his fighting career.
“Yeah, Turki asked me a couple of times, ‘You ready for boxing?'” Makhachev continued. “I just tell him, ‘Hey, you see with Dana. Just ask him, I’m ready anytime.'”
