“Don’t Ever Come for My Throat”- Max Holloway Fires Back at Islam Makhachev Over Two-Belt Comment
Last weekend, in the main event of UFC 330, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his welterweight title against Ian Garry. The Dagestani dominated much of the contest, showcasing his grappling, composure, and championship experience throughout the fight.
Makhachev ultimately secured another unanimous decision victory, extending his remarkable winning streak while strengthening his position among UFC’s greatest. With this latest triumph, Makhachev surpassed Anderson Silva’s legendary 16-fight winning streak and immediately set his sights on reaching twenty.
However, former BMF champion Max Holloway recently criticized Makhachev for holding two championships without defending his lightweight belt anymore. Makhachev responded to Holloway’s criticism, claiming that both championship belts are heavy, something he believes Holloway would never understand.
Holloway then fired back, suggesting that Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz may have actually made the comment through Makhachev’s social media. “I kind of know how heavy these can be. These are heavy, bro. Don’t tell me I don’t know what they feel like. Don’t ever come for my throat, bro, especially when you’re hiding behind another man’s Instagram,” said Max Holloway via Kick.
Ali Abdelaziz is infamous for helping fighters with social media comments, especially those who aren’t particularly comfortable communicating in English. Apart from Makhachev, former heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has also faced accusations of receiving Abdelaziz’s assistance with online comments.
Meanwhile, Holloway recently defeated Conor McGregor after the Irishman suffered a serious leg injury, securing another important victory last month. Before that victory, the Hawaiian lost his BMF championship and now remains determined to capture UFC lightweight gold next.
Currently ranked fourth in the lightweight division, Holloway is eager to secure another title opportunity and finally claim his second UFC championship. Holloway previously defeated current champion Justin Gaethje and remains interested in running back their rivalry while chasing the lightweight championship.
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UFC veteran Joe Rogan believes Islam Makhachev should move down
Before moving up, Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title four times, establishing himself among the division’s most dominant champions ever. He finished several elite opponents, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski while submitting former champion Charles Oliveira during his lightweight reign.
However, many fans and experts believe Makhachev may struggle to replicate those spectacular finishes against larger welterweight opponents. Following UFC 330, Joe Rogan shared his perspective on whether Makhachev can continue dominating at welterweight like lightweight.
“Look at what he did to Dustin Poirier, look at what he did to Charles Oliveira. Just crushes them. This is the difference between him at 155 and him at 170. I understand what he wants to do, but if I was in his corner I’d be like ‘maybe [we should move back down],” said Joe Rogan via UFC.
However, according to mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev is comfortable at the lightweight division and has no plans of going down. It would be interesting to see whether Makhachev can get dominant finishes in his upcoming title defenses.
READ MORE: Islam Makhachev Defeats Ian Garry At UFC 330 And Makes UFC History With 17-Fight Win Streak
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