UFC welterweight veteran Jeff Neil, an American who once defeated his fellow countryman Belal Muhammad of Palestinian descent, shared his thoughts on the transition of Russian fighter Islam Makhachev to his division, as reported by Vesti.kz .
Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion.
"I feel like he will definitely be in the top ten. As for becoming a champion or something like that... He's good enough. His wrestling is very strong. He'll get past many, but I will beat him," Neil is quoted by Sportskeeda .
Neil fought Muhammad in January 2019 and won by unanimous decision. In March 2023, the American faced Shavkat Rakhmonov and lost to the Kazakh by submission in the third round.
Makhachev has expressed his readiness to move up to welterweight to capture a second title in the American promotion.
It’s worth noting that this weekend, Kazakh fighter Asu Almaev will return to the octagon. His bout against Angolan-Portuguese fighter Manel Kape will headline UFC Vegas 103, taking place on March 2 in Las Vegas (USA). Almaev will be the first Kazakh fighter to compete in a main event in Dana White's league.