Abdelaziz Tells Welterweights to Talk Less About Makhachev

Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Islam Makhachev, has gone on social media to defend his client's decision not to fight at UFC 336. He also had a message for welterweight contenders who criticized the champion.

Reports that a title fight between Makhachev, the 170-pound champion, and number one contender Carlos Prates had fallen through left many fans asking what happened. The confusion grew when Prates was booked to fight Michael Morales for an interim welterweight title at UFC 336, which raised the question of why an interim belt was needed at all.

According to the report, Makhachev simply seems to want a contender who fully separates himself from the rest of the pack. Prates answered that with a heated response, and Makhachev replied to him in turn.

Abdelaziz's warning

Abdelaziz now tells every contender to focus on his own career. He also dismissed the idea that any of them add to Makhachev's legacy.

"If you're a contender. Islam is the champion and maybe the greatest fighter of this generation. Talk less, because he'll make you look bad. None of you add to his legacy. He fights for passion, love of the sport, and the fans."

Why Prates is angry

Prates' frustration comes from Makhachev's own words. After a tough unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, with both Prates and Morales in attendance, Makhachev said he wanted to fight before Ramadan and targeted a January card. His outlook changed once talks about a UFC 336 headliner began.

Prates must now deal with Morales, who is described as dangerous.

Both are heavy-handed strikers. Prates seems to have the edge in skill, while Morales has the size and strength. The matchup has been teased before, and it is now heating up.

Source: MMA Sucka