UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was not a fan of the opening ceremonies for this summer’s Olympics in Paris, Francis.
The Russian, who is considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in MMA today, shared his thoughts on the Olympics’ opening ceremonies during a recent appearance on the Ushatayka YouTube channel.
“To be honest, I watched some of the highlights of the Olympics opening ceremony,” the UFC champ said (via Championship Rounds on X). “It was disgusting. This is disrespect for all religions, for all human values in general.”
The main sources of controversy surrounding this summer’s opening ceremonies involved the inclusion of drag queens in the festivities, as well as an alleged reference to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting, which depicts Jesus Christ dining with his 12 apostles.
Makhachev claims he planned to attend the Olympics, but reconsidered after seeing clips of the opening ceremonies.
“Honestly, I even planned to go to the Olympics,” he said. “After what I saw, I don’t want to go there.”
Makhachev later suggested that Russia should have hosted the Olympics instead of France.
“Firstly, Russia knows how to do it properly,” he said. “[Russia] cherishes human values and respects athletes and sports.
“What happened at the opening ceremonies, I don’t think it has anything to do with sports.”
Makhachev last fought at UFC 302 in June, when he defended his lightweight belt fifth-round submission over popular lightweight veteran Dustin Poirier. It was his third defense of the belt after a pair of victories over former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski — first a decision, then a knockout. He won the vacant belt with a submission victory over former champ Charles Oliveira.
The lightweight champion does not currently have a fight booked, but is expected to defend his belt against surging Armenian contender Arman Tsarukyan next. It will be the second time the pair have met. Makhachev won their first encounter, in 2019, by decision.
