Islam Makhachev is ready to defend his UFC lightweight title for the fourth time next month. The Dagestani star will take on Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 and remains confident about his win. Ahead of the fight, the Dagestani standout has also expressed his ultimate dream of capturing the welterweight title, currently held by Belal Muhammad.
Islam Makhachev recently did an interview with UFC legend Daniel Cormier and talked about his upcoming fight. During the conversation, the fighter discussed the future plan of action after winning against Tsarukyan. According to the pound-for-pound ace, he has many options but he would like to face someone new.
Cormier also discussed the possibility of Charles Oliveira facing Islam Makhachev in a rematch. While Makhachev showed little enthusiasm for the idea, he remains open to the fight if the UFC and fans demand it. However, the reigning lightweight champion has his sights set on a bigger goal: becoming the UFC’s next double champion.
Makhachev had always spoken about beating former title holder Leon Edwards and holding two belts at the same time. However, Muhammad ruined that plan after becoming the new champion at UFC 304. However, it seems like Makhachev is now getting desperate for his shot and fans are excited for the outcome.
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about Islam Makhachev fighting Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad has been a part of Team Khabib’s training sessions multiple times. Muhammad has always respected Khabib Nurmagomedov as a fighter as well as s coach. Those training sessions have helped the Palestinian-American fighter to get that champion mentality which he showed in his last outing.
The brotherhood between Belal Muhammad and Team Khabib is quite genuine. As a result, Islam Makhachev remains hesitant to fight. Recently, Nurmagomedov was asked the same by Henry Cejudo. The ‘Eagle’ revealed that he doesn’t feel right about this matchup.
Nurmagomedov also credited Muhammad and explained how good he was inside the octagon. According to the UFC Hall of Famer, Muhammad needs to be finished in the early rounds in order to win against him in a welterweight title clash. Only time will tell if Makhachev vs. Muhammad ever happens.
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