Islam Makhachev is ready to achieve double champion status.
History is well within reach for the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion. A successful title defense in Makhachev’s upcoming bout against Dustin Poirier would be his third, tying the division’s record.
There is still a swell of contenders for Makhachev to face at 155 pounds. However, the champion wants his second title by moving up to challenge Welterweight kingpin, Leon Edwards, after a Poirier win at UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
“Honestly, I don’t have any exciting fight [at Lightweight] because Dustin has just one fight win streak… Arman [Tsarukyan] I already beat this guy,” Makhachev told the New York Post.
“I don’t have some job in my division,” he continued. “I think they have to give me chance for the second belt because I already beat all these guys.”
Makhachev’s two title defenses thus far came against former Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, in 2023. A highly competitive unanimous decision (watch highlights) saw Makhachev’s hand raised in fight No. 1 before he finished “The Great” early in their rematch via a first round head kick knockout (watch highlights).
Another former Featherweight titlist emerged in the Lightweight mix of contenders after UFC 300 two weekends ago (April 13, 2024). Max Holloway’s epic upset knockout win (watch highlights) over Justin Gaethje crowned him as the new Baddest Motherf—ker (BMF) champion and a top contender. Gaethje seemingly had a future title shot hanging in the balance, leading to Holloway in the driver’s seat for what he could do next.
Ultimately, Makhachev isn’t too thrilled by the prospect of a “Blessed” match up.
“If he beats a couple more guys in my division, we can fight,” Makhachev said. “I don’t want to give him chance now because I have some contenders who I have to beat. Now I have Dustin, after we’ll have Arman. I think I’ll have some [work] in my division, he has [work] in his division.
“Maybe if he wins his next fight,” he continued. “Maybe [if] he beats [Ilia] Topuria, and I finish all of my two fights, maybe.
“I already give some chances from the 145 [division], it’s why I need my chance for the second belt,” concluded Makhachev.