While his client wants to secure a second UFC title, the manager of Islam Makhachev hopes for another title holder who loses fast enough.
It was recently announced that Makhachev will leave its UFC light weight belt to strive for two-division Glory in Welterweight.
To reach this point, the Dagestani defended the gold four times out of 155 pounds. Makhakeven recently submitted Renato Moicano to UFC 311 in Los Angeles.
Makhachev left that result as the current champion with the most defenses.
A few remarkable names chase the number of Russian, whose manager can be dethroned by a former customer this year.
Ali Abdelaziz root for Khamzat Chimaev against Dricus du Plessis
Dricus Du Plessis is two defenses behind Makhachev after a few successful retention of the middleweight title.
He gets the chance to close the gap in Chicago this summer. Du Plessis will be confronted with the challenge of Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16.
During a appearance on Submission Radio, Makhachev's manager Ali Abdelaziz outlined his hope to see Chimaev take the middleweight belt of Du Plessis.
“My heart says I want Khamzat to win, you know? He is my friend. I know him, you know? But you can't give respect [on] You know the champion, the middleweight champion, du Persis, you know?
“This guy, so heavy. It's all hard work, not a talent. To be honest, I am a big fan of him.”
Ali Abdelaziz managed Khamzat Chimaev until Khabib Nurmagomedov Association is said to have caused a split
The support of Abdelaziz for Chimaev may not be surprising in view of their history.
The Dominance MMA CEO previously had 'Borz' under his management banner during the early days of the UFC career of the Chechen.
But he split from Abdelaziz in 2022 in the midst of an apparent rivalry between Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, which was reported by Ariel Helwani during an episode of the MMA hour.
“I do know that some of the reason why Khamzat left the dominance, because he and Khabib just was not at the same level and there was some uncomfortable there.
“But to be honest, I mean, you have to ask Khabib, you know, his thoughts about it. But yes, I mean, that is a big fish to lose and I know they are not the best friends. Why that's, I don't know, but that's what I know.”
A few years ago, Chimaev talked about a feud with Nurmagomedov attributed to comparisons between him and the Dominance of Dagestani.
While 'Borz' had the problems with someone who suggests that 'the eagle' would 'break him', Chimaev has since praised Nurmagomedov and every hostility to rest.