Islam Makhachev has now diverted his attention to Al Iaquinta.
Makhachev (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was in UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov’s corner at UFC 223 in Brooklyn, when he faced Iaquinta for the vacant UFC 155-pound title in 2018.
Nurmagomedov would defeat Iaquinta (14-6-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) via unanimous decision, and Makhachev was there to show his respect to Iaquinta for his efforts by wiping the blood off of his face.
And after Makhachev called Iaquinta out on Twitter, he decided to take a more humorous approach, as part of his callout pitch.
“I want to take care of you like I did last time at Barclays center.
I’m waiting for your answer #ufc249”
Rumors swirled about a potential matchup between Makhachev and Gregor Gillespie at UFC 249 but that matchup has not come to fruiton.
So after expressing interest in facing Dan Hooker, Paul Felder, Kevin Lee, and Gillespie, Makhachev has now called out Iaquinta for UFC 249, in hopes to join his training partner, and the night’s headliner, Nurmagomedov.
Iaquinta was quick to respond, but once again, the offer is for a showdown in Russia.
“NY vs Dagestan gangster. I’m in for Moscow for the great fans of Russia”
Makhachev hasn’t competed since his unanimous decision win over Davi Ramos at UFC 242 in September. He has struggled to find an opponent ever since, calling out the majority of the lightweight division’s top 15.
