On Saturday evening at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev beat Renato Moicano for his fourth title protection, breaking a UFC document for many consecutive defenses by a light-weight champion. And it seems like he’s simply getting began.
Whereas Makhachev has talked about turning into a double champion sooner or later, he sounded dedicated to persevering with to defend his belt at 155 kilos.
“For me, regardless of,” he instructed Joe Rogan when requested who was subsequent. “Whoever could make 155, simply step into the cage and stand in entrance of me … I like this belt. It’s not my job [to choose challengers]. If anyone desires this belt, come to the cage.”
He reiterated that stance on the UFC 311 post-fight press convention.
“Not my enterprise, I’m the fighter. Simply ship me contract,” Makhachev stated. “That’s it. I would like some new targets. I would like some jobs. I need to be busy.”
Makhachev’s difficulty is he’s already crushed nearly everybody on the high of the light-weight rankings. He beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Arman Tsarukyan he beat in 2019, and now the UFC has stated “Akhalkalakets” must re-earn a No. 1 contender spot. There’s Justin Gaethje, who’s been scheduled to combat at UFC 313 towards Dan Hooker (whom Makhachev beat at UFC 267).
With the highest of the division almost swept clear, Makhachev could possibly be demanding a shot at a second belt. Possibly it’s as a result of the welterweight title is presently held by his buddy and coaching companion Belal Muhammad, however Islam is sounding very zen and affected person about his objective.
“I don’t know when it’s gonna occur, however I instructed you: I’m not go away this sport and not using a second belt,” Makhachev stated. “I would like the second belt, after I’ll speak like I’m the best or one thing. However proper now, my objective is to be double champ.”
“I don’t know if it’s gonna be subsequent combat or when. I’m gonna [keep] combating, [keep] profitable, defend my belt. What number of occasions the UFC need me to defend my belt, I’ll defend. And even once they give me likelihood, I need to be [defending] double champ.”
He even instructed a middleweight title win was potential, in a world the place the UFC would grant him a shot at it.
“I might be three division [champion] additionally,” he stated. “Simply give me the possibility, I’ll combat with Dricus Du Plessis. If they offer me the possibility, I’ll combat with him additionally. I swear if Dana White ship me contract, I’ll combat with him additionally.”
However for now, his sights are set on defending at light-weight.
“If you happen to see 155, ship me contract,” he concluded. “That’s it. Who gonna make 155? Let’s go.
