Fans shouldn’t expect to see Islam Makhachev in a Real American Freestyle singlet any time soon.
The UFC welterweight champion is currently fast approaching his first title defense at 170 pounds, having moved up to the weight class successfully last November.
Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York City to add a second divisional title to his résumé in mixed martial arts.
To cement his reign, Makhachev must defeat Ian Machado Garry this summer. A number of other contenders are waiting in the wings for an opportunity, meaning the Dagestani has no time for side missions.
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Islam Makhachev shuts down potential matches away from the UFC
A number of high-profile names have started to keep busy between their UFC fights by taking wrestling and grappling matches.
Arman Tsarukyan has led the charge, competing nine times since his last Octagon appearance against Dan Hooker eight months ago.
Many of the Armenian’s matches have come in Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling organization that has also staged bouts featuring Colby Covington, Belal Muhammad, Aaron Pico, and Merab Dvalishvili.
During a recent video on Adam Zubayraev’s YouTube channel, Makhachev confirmed he has been asked to compete in matches outside of the UFC, though he did not confirm the exact organizations.
“Yeah, I’ve been approached,” Makhachev said regarding the trend of UFC fighters competing in wrestling and grappling matches.
“No, (I’m not interested). I have enough to do. I have enough money, enough fights — championship ones.
“I don’t have time to get distracted by wrestling or grappling matches,” he continued. “Because you could get injured and then sit out half a year with nothing.
“I have time to fight, prepare, take care of family matters. If I competed in wrestling too, I’d have to prepare, go through camps again, travel again.
“So I have no desire to get distracted.”
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The last RAF event was headlined by Khamzat Chimaev’s debut against Dillon Danis, a match that unsurprisingly ended in a wild brawl on stage.
Next up for the promotion is the RAF 11 event in Milwaukee, which will feature a battle between Tsarukyan and Covington in the main event.