As the No. 1 pound-for-pound UFC star, you would think Islam Makhachev is a fighter who can fight anywhere, anytime, but there are some instances where he will avoid fighting an opponent.
As we quickly approach Makhachev's fourth lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, fans are chirping about a potential double championship shot for Makhachev if he wins. Ilia Topuria wants Makhachev – and Makhachev's coach believes he can move up to middleweight.
That said, there is one doubles championship fight that Makhachev would rather avoid.
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Islam Makhachev would avoid fighting Belal Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov
The most obvious move for Makhachev would be to move up one weight class to welterweight, where he could face the winner of Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, speaking to collective reporters at UFC 311 media day, Makhachev said: “These are not the fights I would like.”
“I know both guys,” Makhachev said. “These are definitely not the fights I would like – both Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Both are world-class fighters with all the skills. They're going to have a good fight, that's what I want to see.”
Islam Makhachev doesn't like the idea of facing Belal or Shavkat:
“I know both boys. These are not the fights I would want…
Both are world class fighters… they are going to have a good fight, I want to see that.”
🎥Ushatayka #UFC311pic.twitter.com/xkhycsxqrN
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 15, 2025
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Rakhmonov secured his spot as the next title challenger by defeating Ian Garry at UFC 310. He was initially set to face Muhammad in the main event of UFC 310 before 'Remember The Name' pulled out with a bad foot infection.
The most likely double championship fight for Islam Makhachev
As for other options, Makhachev has featherweight, middleweight and, at one point, light heavyweight. However, featherweight is likely off the table as he has already defended his title twice against featherweight GOAT Alexander Volkanovski, and most of the criticism surrounding Makhachev's title reign consists of his defenses against non-lightweights.
Makhachev has said he is not interested in Topuria. So if Muhammad or Rakhmonov aren't in the title picture by the end of 2025, we could see a welterweight move. Otherwise, a middleweight bout with champion Dricus Du Plessis – or Sean Strickland, who will challenge for the title at UFC 312 – looks quite favorable for the Dagestani grappler.
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