Islam Makhachev isn’t too involved about UFC CEO Dana White’s feedback denying he’s the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter on this planet. However he’s nonetheless searching for the most important fights attainable that can elevate him to that degree.
Makhachev placed on a robust efficiency towards a really sport Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, bringing the combat to “Diamond” on the toes and submitting him midway by way of the fifth spherical (highlights right here). It wasn’t pure domination like we’re used to from his good friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, however it was a reminder that Islam shall be very exhausting to dethrone at 155 kilos.
However is he P4P No. 1 within the UFC proper now? Not in response to White, who vehemently declared Jon Jones to be over Makhachev, no questions requested. That’s regardless of Makhachev holding the No.1 place within the official UFC rankings since final yr.
When it was the Dagestani fighter’s flip to talk on the UFC 302 post-fight press convention, he shrugged off White’s statements.
“I don’t know, possibly it’s his opinion,” he stated. “However I feel I saved this card as we speak, as a result of all these fights boring, and all the world nearly sleep. And we present with Dustin [a] nice efficiency. Dana gave me two bonuses. Earlier than I bear in mind after I had first contract, I [was] completely happy after I obtained bonuses. However now it’s okay.”
Makhachev’s mission now could be to get a second belt at welterweight.
“Who don’t wish to be double champion?” he stated when requested about his future. “That is historical past, what number of double champs we now have? This can be a dream for all fighters to get second belt. That is my dream, and I wish to be within the historical past so folks know me as double champ. If I’ve probability, small probability, I’ll get [it], and it’s [this] factor that makes me get up within the each morning and practice very exhausting.”
The win over Poirier marks Makhachev’s third profitable light-weight title protection. Nobody has defended that belt 4 occasions, however Islam appeared bored with stepping out forward of the pack at 155 in that manner.
Congrats to Islam! However don’t attempt to run away to a different division. You’ve solely defended your title as soon as towards an actual light-weight, and I’m subsequent in line
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) June 2, 2024
“I don’t comply with the data, beat some file or one thing like this,” he stated. “If you’d like nice legacy, you must get second belt. It’s my opinion.”
A second belt is certainly flashier on the resume, however proper now it appears just like the UFC goes to have Makhachev defend the light-weight title towards Arman Tsarukyan subsequent.
“I’m prepared,” Islam stated relating to that combat. “Dana have my quantity. Simply name me and put some new problem. It not make sense [why] we’d have rematch, but when Dana needs it, let’s do it. No drawback.”
The one ask Makhachev has is to compete in New York Metropolis as an alternative of Abu Dhabi.
“Truthfully, it’s my dream preventing Madison Sq. Backyard,” he defined. “And now I feel the US followers like me as a result of we present good combat tonight. If they offer me an opportunity to come back again in Madison Sq. Backyard, that is my dream, combat on this area.”
Sadly for Makhachev, the UFC’s Madison Sq. Backyard card in November is already earmarked for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic heavyweight title combat. So as soon as once more Jones is messing Islam’s biz up, making Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan more likely for October in Abu Dhabi.
