UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has disclosed who he sees himself fighting next among the lightweight contenders.
Following a hard-fought victory over featherweight champion Alexander Volakovski at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, Makhachev is waiting in the wings for his next challenger and is just waiting for matchups to play out first. However, the Dagestani has one name in mind who he’d like to test himself against.
Makhachev insists he wants matchups that will present a tough test. If it was up to him, No.4 ranked lightweight Beneil Dariush would be the next worthy opponent if he can get through Charles Oliveira at UFC 288.
UFC Lightweight Islam Makhachev Discloses Who he Wants Next
“I hope Beniel [Dariush] beats [Charles] Oliveira. We gonna make some good fight because this guy is tough because he have good skills and it’s gonna be a huge fight for the fans,” Makhachev told Aaron Bronsteter.
Having been slated to fight Dariush before, Makhachev claims he’s prepared for the challenge Dariush would bring to the Octagon and believes a win over the former champion Oliveira will be enough to grant him a title shot.
“I prepared for this fight a couple years ago. He beat a good opponent (Mateusz Gamrot) in his last fight. That’s why I think if he beat Charles he’s gonna deserve [the title shot],” he added.
Despite his first title defence with Volkanovski being extremely close, Makhachev does feel he should have been rewarded with the No.1 pound-for-pound spot that the Aussie held onto at the time. When asked about a possible rematch, Makhachev is more than happy to oblige if it’s a fight the fans are eager to see again.
“I just showed who’s the best in the world. It was good experience for me. If a lot of people want to see the rematch then let’s do this. Why not? Let’s go. I am ready,” the Dagestani fighter emphasized.
Rematch With Volkanovski?
Since indulging in professional mixed martial arts, Makhachev has fought 25 times as a professional. Even with all that experience, it wasn’t enough to help him face the struggles he did fighting on the other side of the world against Volkanovski.
“The people expect an easy fight from me. Like how I take him down, smash him there, but many things in Australia is different. All fighters wake up early morning, they don’t give us time for recovery, but Volkanovski doesn’t need time for recovery. He doesn’t cut too much weight. That’s why I know all things from his side of Australia, weather and weight, I just went to Australia and beat the champion and I don’t care if they give me the place or not. I just have my belt… This is most important things for the fighter. Not just cut weight, you have to recover, but they don’t give time for the recovery,” he revealed.
Quotes via MMA Easy
What would you like to see next for Islam Makhachev? The rematch with Volkanovski or a new challenger in Dariush?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
