What's up with the narrative that Makhachev is ducking Lee?

[shoorik1987]

not crazy.. how can they put Islam against a top contender when hes never gonna fight the champ

I was hoping they would do it for the fans dude... for the fans!

 

[Ackmed]

not crazy.. how can they put Islam against a top contender when hes never gonna fight the champ

Same way they were giving Askren solid opponents even though he wasnt going to fight the champ at the time

 

[Ghostoftheville]

I think it's the UFC, they don't want to promote Islam and push him into top-10 since he will never fight Khabib and will never be a challenger for the belt as long as Khabib remains a champ. So he will only take up a spot in the top-10.

Flaw in that reasoning is being in the top 10 doesn't guarantee a title shot. It's something that has existed in the sport since the beginning in some capacity and they know how to work around it. Also, Khabib and his father have not stopped claiming Khabib will retire sooner than later.

You would rather come up with a conspiracy theory that the fighters and promotion are in collusion against Islam instead of even considering that maybe it's Islam.

 

[flowoftruth]

Same way they were giving Askren solid opponents even though he wasnt going to fight the champ at the time

askren is a different case he came in with a lot of hype and casual interest that was hard to ignore. also felt lkike dana wanted to throw him to the wolves a little bit

 

[Ackmed]

askren is a different case he came in with a lot of hype and casual interest that was hard to ignore. also felt lkike dana wanted to throw him to the wolves a little bit

Well if they (UFC) are going to hold Makhachev back as long as Khabib is champ they will probably speed up his retirement. This could be why he's said he'll likely retire soon.

 

[SeattleFightFan]

So let's get this straight.

On 12/22 Lee says UFC gave him and he signed a contract to fight.
https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc/kevin-lee-vs-islam-makhachev-targeted-for-ufc-249/

On 12/23, Islam says UFC never offered him a contract, but he would sign.
https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc...s-kevin-lee-booking-calls-for-fight-contract/

On 01/05, Islam again says "let's make it happen" via twitter


On 01/14 it's announced that Lee is fighting Oliviera
https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/K...or-UFC-Brasilia-Main-Event-on-March-14-168747

And on 01/15, Islam accused Lee of taking the easy way out
https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/ufc...-way-out-by-accepting-charles-oliveira-fight/

So does TS or anyone know what actually happened between 12/23 and 01/14? Or are fans going to just take a side in this he said / he said rap battle?

 

[xyzxyz94]