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Undefeated MMA champion dominates UFC veteran, gets belt from Islam Makhachev

Originally posted on MMA on SI  |  By Drew Beaupre  |  Last updated Jul 24, 2025 4:24 PM ET
(UAE Warriors)

UFC star Islam Makhachev was in attendance at UAE Warriors 62 to witness an impressive performance from one of the promotion’s champions.

Technically not a reigning UFC champion after Ilia Topuria claimed the lightweight belt he vacated at UFC 317, Makhachev remains one of the biggest names on the UFC roster ahead of his anticipated move to the welterweight division.

The 33-year-old will presumably jump straight into a title bout with newly-crowned welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena, but for now fans are still waiting on news of when Makhachev will make his debut at 170 lbs. and try to claim a second UFC title.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UFC Veteran James Llontop Debuts At UAE Warriors 62

The UFC is in Abu Dhabi this week for UFC Fight Night card headlined by Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder, and Makhachev will likely be in attendance for that event after he was also cage side for UAE Warriors 62 at Abu Dhabi’s Space42 Arena.

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This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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