Islam Makhachev doesn’t want to get on the mat with one of wrestling’s greatest ever athletes, but he’s willing to take him in the cage.
Two-weight UFC champion Makhachev was ringside tonight at RAF Wrestling’s Moscow show and watched as Jordan Burroughs scored a big win away against Magomed Kurbanaliev. After the match, the Olympic hero called out the cage icon for a crossover bout.
Who should challenge Islam Makhachev next after UFC 330? 🤔
Makhachev just defended his welterweight world title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. It now remains to be seen if Michael Morales or Carlos Prates will emerge as his next challenger.
Islam Makhachev calls for UFC fight with Jordan Burroughs
After his victory over Kurbanaliev in Moscow, Jordan Burroughs went straight into a callout for the big star at ringside Islam Makhachev. He wanted to test his wrestling skills with arguably MMA’s best grappler, while the Russian didn’t seem too keen.
“Islam, where are you?” Burroughs asked during an explosive post-match interview with Chael Sonnen. “I came to your country, to your capital city and Tech Falled one of your world champions. I’ll be back to Russia very soon and the only person I want to share the stage with is Islam.”
Makhachev took to X to respond to the request, offering a meeting in the octagon instead. “Congrats on your win legend,” he wrote. “In the cage, anywhere anytime.” Burroughs has never fought in MMA, despite multiple offers over the years.
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