Islam Makhachev Discusses Potential Boxing Crossover

Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, recently confirmed that he had discussions regarding a potential boxing crossover with Turki Alalshikh during his visit to Zuffa Boxing 09 in New York last month.

During the event, which featured a fight headlined by Edgar Berlanga, Makhachev, accompanied by his manager Ali Abdelaziz, engaged in productive talks with Alalshikh and other Zuffa Boxing executives. Makhachev noted that Alalshikh expressed interest in a boxing match and inquired about Makhachev's readiness to compete in boxing.

Makhachev, who is set to defend his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15, mentioned that he is open to the idea of boxing and suggested that Alalshikh should discuss it with Dana White, who oversees both Zuffa Boxing and UFC. Makhachev's interest aligns him with other UFC fighters who have shown interest in boxing opportunities under the Zuffa Boxing brand.