The UFC welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, appears to hold little sympathy for his compatriot, Rinat Fakhretdinov, whose recent unbeaten streak was unexpectedly followed by the promotion’s decision not to offer him a renewed contract.
Makhachev recently cemented his status as a two-division champion, successfully achieving his dual-title aspirations at UFC 322. During the main event, he dominated Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds, successfully adding the welterweight crown to his dominant lightweight title reign.
While Makhachev is certainly not short on challengers for his next bout, one contender whom many observers tipped to surge through the ranks, Fakhretdinov, will no longer pose a problem for the champion, having been released from the organization.
Makhachev Explains Why the UFC Parted Ways with Fakhretdinov
The decision by MMA’s leading promotion not to re-sign Rinat Fakhretdinov caused significant controversy. The Russian welterweight had maintained an unbeaten run across seven fights inside the Octagon, pushing his overall professional record to 24-1-1 and extending his active undefeated streak to 23 consecutive bouts.
Fakhretdinov’s final performance was a rapid 54-second knockout of Andreas Gustafsson at UFC Paris last September. However, even this dramatic finish was insufficient to convince Dana White and company to grant “Gladiator” a new deal.
In a recent interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev offered a direct explanation, suggesting his fellow countryman simply lacked the necessary self-promotion.
“The UFC needs fighters they can sell, who can make money,” Makhachev stated. “Rinat would just go out there and win. The UFC doesn’t need guys who just beat everyone and stay quiet.”
Makhachev stressed the need for marketability: “Learn English, learn how to sell yourself, learn how to be interesting to the public. They love the show. And because of that, you just need to learn how to put on a show.”
Rinat Fakhretdinov delivers a punch during his fight at UFC Paris.
Fakhretdinov Claims Better Opportunities Are Already Appearing
Fakhretdinov was quick to issue a statement regarding his departure, clarifying that his contract simply expired and he was not officially “cut.” The Russian welterweight does not appear disheartened by the lack of a new deal, claiming he has already received more lucrative opportunities outside the premier organization.
Addressing his fans in a video, Fakhretdinov said: “Nothing terrible happened and offers are pouring in with a very different pay. We are not worried at all; we fought with dignity there. Believe me, we have not said everything there, of course. We would have caused problems to some people there, but apparently, this also got in someone’s way.”
