Islam Makhachev – dominant UFC lightweight champion, definitive pound-for-pound king, and, as it turns out, quite a retaliatory holder of long-forgotten grudges.
The popular lightweight champion made quick work of his late opponent in the main event of last night's PPV, as he submitted Renato Moicano with ease in the very first round.
While both fighters have been respectful towards each other during their 24-hour build-up, Islam Makhachev has now revealed that this latest victory is also 'revenge' for an earlier defeat.
Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG
Islam Makhachev laughs that the UFC 311 title win was 'revenge' for his teammate
Islam Makhachev was expected to make a statement at UFC 311 and the dominant Dagestani certainly delivered with a sensational first-round victory over Renato 'Money' Moicano.
There wasn't much, if any, animosity between the two, but speaking at the post-fight press conference, Makhachev revealed that this was 'revenge' for Moicano beating one of his teammates years ago.
“I was in Brazil when he fought with my teammate Zubaira Tukhugov… This victory is dedicated to him, because you know, Zubaira lost at the time, but now I have my revenge.”
Moicano defeated Tukhugov via split decision in 2016; the same night that Stipe Miocic knocked out Fabricio Werdum to claim heavyweight gold, meaning UFC 311 represented a revenge plot some eight years in the making.
Someone will have to get 'revenge' on Umar Nurmagomedov next, with the talented youngster suffering the first defeat of his professional career in the co-main event against Merab Dvalishvili.
Makhachev later revealed that although coach Khabib Nurmagomedov was extremely upset with the outcome of that first title fight, 'The Eagle' remained focused on the task at hand.
“Of course he was upset, he came straight to me and told me to concentrate on my fight, and told me not to think about it.
“We have not yet spoken to Khabib about the loss of Umar [because] he came to the locker room and immediately afterwards went to the octagon with me – now he went to a hospital with Umar.
Islam Makhachev continues to tease an eventual exit from the lightweight division
Following his historic win, Makhachev said he would welcome any challengers at 155 pounds, but also said he had his sights firmly set on securing a second UFC championship title.
“I don't know when [my move to welterweight] is going to happen, but I will not leave this sport without a second belt, I need the second belt,” he stated during the post-fight press conference.
“I will defend my title no matter how many times the UFC wants me to, I will defend and if they give me the opportunity I want to be a double champion… I can be a three-division [champion] Also. Just give me a chance, that's all.
“I will join the fight [Dricus] Du Plessis, give me the chance, I will fight him too. I swear if Dana White sends me the contract, I will fight him too.”
With the win, Makhachev now sets the record for most lightweight title fight victories and improves his professional record to 27-1.
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