Islam Makhachev showed his champion mentality during UFC 311 fight week when his opponent was substituted just one day out.
The 33-year-old champion was originally scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch six years in the making, but Tsarukyan withdrew just one day due to injury.
Fortunately for Islam Makhachev and the waiting fans, Renato Moicano was upgraded to the main event, as he was already scheduled to fight on the undercard against Beneil Dariush, which ultimately ended without a fight.
The dominant Russian defeated the Brazilian in the first round, breaking the record for most title defenses in UFC lightweight history.
READ MORE: Arman Tsarukyan won't get next lightweight opportunity as Dana White insists he will have to fight his way back to title
Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG
Islam Makhachev focuses on more UFC history as he calls out Dricus Du Plessis
Ahead of his scheduled fight against 'Ahalkalakets', Makhachev has consistently spoken about his desire to become a double champion, as is the norm for UFC champions these days.
Despite this, the current welterweight champion is his friend and recent teammate, Belal Muhammad, and Makhachev has stated that he would prefer not to fight him.
However, the 33-year-old has admitted he will not leave the sport until he has challenged for a second title as he looks to add to his already glittering legacy.
“I don't know when (my move to welterweight) is going to happen, but I won't leave this sport without a second belt, I need the second belt, and after that (I can be called) the best or something other than right now I need I will become a double champion,” Makhachev said at the post-fight press conference.
“I don't know guys if it's going to be the next fight or when I'm still going to fight, still win, defend my title, however many times the UFC wants me to defend and when they give me a chance I want to are double champions,” he continued.
However, becoming a two-time UFC champion would only add him to a list of several fighters to achieve that success before him. And that's where Makhachev wants to go one step further.
The dominant Russian has claimed he would like to become the first fighter to win titles in three separate weight classes and has been touted by his manager to do so, once again looking to make UFC history.
“I can also become a three-division champion. Just give me a chance, that's all. I will fight with (Dricus) Du Plessis, give me the chance, I will fight him too. I swear that if Dana White sends me the contract, I will fight him too,” Makhachev said sensationally.
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his 185-pound title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 following a successful title defense against Israel Adesanya.
Khamzat Chimaev doubts Makhachev's ability to win the middleweight title
With Makhachev not wanting to fight 'Remember The Name' Muhammad, a two-division move up could be the solution to his problem.
But before he is able to do so, Khamzat Chimaev will likely be the first to fight for the title after receiving backing from White that he will be next.
After Makhachev's manager Abdelaziz stated that he believes the Russian could move up to middleweight and win the title, 'Borz' has given his opinion on how Makhachev would fare at 185 pounds.
“Well, if Islam wants that, and (Abdelaziz) wants that, then let him go up there and try… Maybe it's possible, maybe not. If anyone could move up (and compete) at 170 or 185, it would be Khabib. As far as Islam is concerned, I have my doubts because of his (fight against Dustin Poirier). It was tough for him,” Chimaev told Aslanbek Badaev.
Makhachev appears to be a big 155lbs and his skillset would fit very well with the current champions at both welterweight and middleweight.
Related topics
Comments