MMA News Today: Islam Makhachev’s Manager Claims Jon Jones ‘Not Even Close Second’ In P4P List, UFC Middleweight Defends Dan Hardy From Trolls After He Does PFL Fight Gear Photoshoot, & More

Abdelaziz believes Makhachev is top by some distance, Curtis hits back at fans, & more

 

Ali Abdelaziz Says No One Comes Close To Islam Makhachev On PFP List

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has made it very clear that he wants to move up to welterweight to try and win a second belt.

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In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz echoed this and said that his fighter is deserving of such an opportunity.

He stressed that the lightweight king isn’t ducking any of his contenders but given his status as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport, it only makes sense for him to get this chance.

Amidst the back and forth between whether Makhachev or Jon Jones are the best in the world right now, Abdelaziz said that there isn’t even a debate to be had.

“He’s the greatest fighter in UFC today, he’s the pound-for-pound number one. It’s not even close second honestly. Nobody even close second and the way he beat people, the way he dominate people, the way he finishes people, who does that? Nobody.”

Chris Curtis Defends Dan Hardy Following Fan Criticism Of Fight Week Photoshoot

It has been 12 years since Dan Hardy last competed in MMA when he faced Amir Sadollah in Nottingham.

The former UFC welterweight title challenger now works as a commentator for the PFL and is the head of fighter operations for the PFL Europe banner.

Ahead of the promotion’s event in Newcastle this past weekend, the PFL gave fans a glimpse of an alternate reality, showing “The Outlaw” kitted out in PFL gear.

Some fans hit back at the fight-week photoshoot and questioned why it was relevant for a commentator to be strapped up in gloves.

UFC middleweight Chris Curtis responded to one of the negative comments, calling it out for the harsh words and pointless criticism.

“I don’t know, bro, maybe because he’s a legend of the sport and UK mma, who is part of their broadcast team? Or maybe the Mfer just wanted to do fight pics again? Y’all really have a problem with a mother f***** doing absolutely anything at all…”

Jason Herzog Responds To Fan Criticism Of His Main Event Stoppage

For many, the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night came to an abrupt ending due to the call made by referee Jason Herzog.

Nassourdine Imavov was beginning to turn the tables in his fight with Jared Cannonier when he landed a big shot that hurt his opponent in the fourth round.

The Frenchman pursued the finish and despite landing several follow up shots, Cannonier was able to stay on his feet and keep moving.

“The Killa Gorilla” seemed to find his feet and start throwing back but in that moment, Herzog stepped while Cannonier was firing back.

He responded to the immediate criticism for an early stoppage on social media, telling fans on X that he stands by his decision but will look to “reevaluate” his call.

“I get it. I know what I was seeing in the moment, but I’ve gotten enough feedback telling me I need to reevaluate, so I will.”