Manager Ali Abdelaziz disclosed that the UFC's immediate plans for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev do not involve fighters like Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Ilia Topuria. Despite Makhachev's previous matchup being altered due to Tsarukyan's injury, his victory over Renato Carneiro positions him in a strong place. Abdelaziz suggests that if fighters like Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush succeed in their upcoming bouts, they could be in line for a title shot against Makhachev, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport.
The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam which doesn't include Oliveira, Arman or Ilia. But it's an unpredictable sport and you don't know what could happen.
If [Gaethje] beats Hooker he can be easily next. If [Dariush] beats Poirier he can also be next. These would be [two] new names that Islam hasn't fought yet.
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