Manager confident about next matchups for Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje

Manager Ali Abdelaziz clarified next steps for Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev, outlining title trajectories as their upcoming bouts are discussed. Following UFC 324, where Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title over Paddy Pimblett, Abdelaziz said Gaethje is next for the undisputed lightweight championship. He added that if lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is unavailable, Gaethje will accept the opponent offered for the belt. On Makhachev, Abdelaziz stated any meeting with Topuria would occur on the welterweight champion’s terms and emphasized the next defense will be against a real welterweight. The remarks aim to prevent client conflict while signaling likely matchmaking priorities.