After Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight belt by submitting Dustin Poirier via a D’arce choke in the final round at UFC 302, the Dagestani made his intentions of becoming a two-weight champion clear.
Islam Makhachev Opts For Two-Weight Champion Status Over Defence At Lightweight
Makhachev defended the lightweight strap for a third time on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and afterward suggested that his next move will be a trip up to 170lbs, where he hopes to fight for the title.
In a bid to become the first two-weight champion since Henry Cejudo in 2019, during the UFC 302 post-fight press conference Makhachev said: “Who doesn’t want to be double champion? This is history. How many double champions we have? This is a dream for all fighters, to get second belt.
“This is my dream. I want to be in the history and people know me like double champ. This is my dream. If I have chance, a small chance, I will get. If you want a great legacy, you have to get second belt. It’s my opinion.”
As he awaits the winner of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2, scheduled for 27th July in Manchester, England, Makhachev deems a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan unappealing. However, the lightweight champion admitted that he would sign to fight the Armenian if it is warranted by Dana White.
He said: “It does not make sense when you have rematch. I need some new challenge. But if Dana want, let’s do it. No problem.”
Eager to advance his 14-fight win streak, the champion does not want to wait around. Sitting just two away from Anderson Silva’s record run of consecutive wins, the current pound-for-pound number one is heading for all-time greatness.
If he gets his shot, how would Makhachev fare at 170lbs?
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