UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev remains interested in fighting Kevin Lee and is willing to wait a couple of months to get his chance at him.
The two lightweights have called to fight each other for a while now and it seemed like it would happen earlier this year. However, Lee would move up to welterweight where he suffered a submission defeat to Rafael dos Anjos back in May.
But having moved back down to lightweight with an emphatic head kick knockout of Gregor Gillespie at UFC 244 earlier this month, “The Motown Phenom” seems determined to stay at 155 pounds.
Makhachev congratulated Lee on the victory and would call him out soon after.
Congrats @MoTownPhenom you back on the winning track. Let’s do it January 👊🏼
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) November 3, 2019
Let’s go, Moscow, Vegas, London doesn’t matter @ufc @seanshelby @danawhite @danthehangman @felderpaul sit on the bench and watch it girls https://t.co/hLAmZViJbd
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) November 3, 2019
After a few years, it seems like the pair are finally on course to face each other next. And given that Lee just competed, Makhachev is even willing to wait three to four months.
“I’m interested in this fight anytime, anywhere,” he said in a recent interview with RT. “Even if the UFC asks me to wait three to four months to give him some rest after his previous fight, I’m ready.
“If they give me a contract, I’ll sign it. I don’t care where, I’m ready to fight this guy.”
Part of the reason why many in the MMA world want to see this fight is because of how frequently Lee talks about being the one to eventually expose Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev is virtually a Nurmagomedov-lite and would serve as a good litmus test for Lee’s wrestling.
Makhachev certainly rates Lee as a good wrestler but also believes the Detroit native talks a big game.
“I’d say he’s a pretty good wrestler in our weight class,” Makhachev added. “I haven’t seen his wrestling matches to compare him [to Nurmagomedov]. He is just talking, though he’s lost half of his recent matches.”
Makhachev last competed at UFC 242 in September where he outpointed Davi Ramos. He is currently on a six-fight winning streak and is 7-1 with the promotion overall.