UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev took a trip to Singapore to corner Saygid Izagakhmaev at ONE 163: Akimoto vs. Petchtanong last weekend. After taking in both ONE 163 and ONE on Prime Video 4, Makhachev left impressed by ONE Championship.
“To be honest, I am surprised by ONE’s level and the way the promotion takes care of the fighters during the fight week. It is very impressive and says a lot about the promotion,” said Makhachev.
View this post on Instagram
The weekend went well for Izagakhmaev, who thoroughly dominated Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in their lightweight matchup. The Russian pummeled Aoki with power and finished with heavy ground and pound on the mat. However, there was more that caught Makhachev’s eye on the weekend.
The UFC lightweight king also had eyes on Christian Lee. During event week, both men briefly called each other out for a possible crossover battle between the lightweight champions. However, both understand it is an unlikely proposition. But Makhachev was impressed with the United MMA representative’s performance in claiming the ONE Welterweight World Championship.
As Lee prepares to defend both belts in 2023, the UFC star sees a tough road for him against both Murad Ramazanov and Izagakhmaev. Ramazanov will get his chance to become the top welterweight contender at ONE on Prime Video 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin on Friday, December 2, when he meets Roberto Soldic in a critical contender’s battle.
“It is not a coincidence that he [Lee] is champion in two weight divisions, but I think the next two fights in his career will be the hardest for him – Saygid Izagakhmaev and Murad Ramazanov. So, as talented as he is, he might lose his belts very soon, whether he wants it or not,” said Makhachev.
Ramazanov’s chance to secure a title shot will air for free to all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime subscribers on Friday, December 2. ONE on Prime Video 5 goes live from Manila at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.
