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Masvidal Calls Yaroslav Amosov a 'Nightmare' Matchup for Islam Makhachev

High-profile praise from American Top Team figures has pushed the former Bellator champion into title-talk even though no UFC title bout has been scheduled.

Overview

  • Jorge Masvidal told the Deep Waters podcast on Friday that Amosov would be a “nightmare” stylistic matchup for Islam Makhachev, and Dustin Poirier has offered similar praise.
  • Amosov is 30-1 with 22 stoppage wins and joined the UFC after a run as Bellator welterweight champion, he is 2-0 in the UFC following submission wins over Neil Magny and Joel Alvarez.
  • Masvidal and other peers point to Amosov’s size, Sambo-based wrestling and strength as the concrete advantages that could trouble Makhachev in close clinch work and takedowns.
  • Those endorsements have raised Amosov’s profile in the welterweight title picture even though Makhachev is preparing for other opponents and the UFC has not scheduled an Amosov–Makhachev fight.
  • Public backing from ATT teammates could speed fan and promotional interest but any title shot depends on official matchmaking, rankings movement and how Amosov’s next UFC bout plays out.