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Islam Makhachev ambitiously plans to become double-champ after clearing out 155lb division

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev already has his eyes set on becoming the Welterweight champ after dominating the 155 lb. division. Although Makhachev is yet to make his first title defense at 155 lbs, his coach Javier Mendez has already proposed the idea of Islam moving up once he clears out the current lightweight division. […]

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev already has his eyes set on becoming the Welterweight champ after dominating the 155 lb. division.

Although Makhachev is yet to make his first title defense at 155 lbs, his coach Javier Mendez has already proposed the idea of Islam moving up once he clears out the current lightweight division. Mendez and Makhachev have already begun the long-term planning of Islam capturing Welterweight gold in the future.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Javier Mendez stated:

“I can 100% see that… And the reason why I see that is because Islam wishes that. And when he wishes that, he’s going to will it to happen. So, he’s going to train, he’s going to clear out the division like he wants to do, and then he is going to go for the welterweight title, and whoever that person at that particular time is going to be, I feel he’s going to beat.” – (h/t MMA Mania)

Makhachev’s goal of being the Welterweight champion has been in discussion since late 2021. Later on in the interview, coach Javier Mendez continued:

“He was like, ‘Yeah, what do you think?’ I said yeah, and it’s just like with Khabib (Nurmagomedov). I never heard Khabib talk anything about other than lightweight. That’s it. Khabib never said welterweight, middleweight. But in my eyes, what I’ve seen in my eyes in the gym for all the years I’ve had Khabib, Khabib could’ve been the lightweight, the welterweight and the middleweight champion, in my eyes.” – (h/t MMA Mania)

Islam Makhachev must start with win over Alexander Volkanovski

Makhachev must first tackle the obstacle in front of him which will be no small task. On Saturday February 11^th, Islam will take on a super-fight, headlining UFC 284 with the Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski in Perth, Australia. While Volkanovski can make history and earn coveted double-champ status, Makhachev can retain his undisputed Lightweight title and continue his reign over the Lightweight Division.

In one of the biggest fights in UFC history, Makhachev will be put to the test against the #1 Pound-for-Pound fighter in the world, Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev and his coach Mendez’ plans are for a future at Welterweight, but this matchup at UFC 284 must not be overlooked.

Do you think Islam has a future as the 170 champ? Can he get through Volkanovski first in his quest for greatness?

Islam Makhachev Issues Warning To Volkanovski Ahead Of UFC 284 Presser

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev wants Alexander Volkanovski to follow up his words with actions. Makhachev will defend the lightweight belt for the first time this Saturday against Volkanovski at UFC 284. He earned the then-vacant title by def…

Continue Reading Islam Makhachev Issues Warning To Volkanovski Ahead Of UFC 284 Presser at MMA News.

Exclusive | Jan Blachowicz predicts a finish for Islam Makhachev at UFC 284; ‘His wrestling is just unbelievable’

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz believes Islam Makhachev will walk away with a win and the No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking on Saturday night. After shocking the world with a second-round submission of Charles Oliveira in October, Islam Makhachev will defend his 155-pound title for the first time against the promotion’s reigning featherweight king […]

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz believes Islam Makhachev will walk away with a win and the No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking on Saturday night.

After shocking the world with a second-round submission of Charles Oliveira in October, Islam Makhachev will defend his 155-pound title for the first time against the promotion’s reigning featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. If that weren’t challenging enough, Makhachev will do so in Volkanovski’s home country as the UFC heads to Australia for the first time in more than three years. Ahead of the highly anticipated superfight, Blachowicz spoke with James Lynch in a LowKick MMA exclusive to share his prediction for this weekend’s main event clash.

“We will see, but I think Islam will take him down and control the fight on the ground and finish Volkanovski maybe before time, but he’s the top of top fighters so we will see,” Blachowicz said. “But if I had put my money, I would put for Islam. I think his wrestling is just unbelievable he’s gonna use it. Take him down, control him on the ground. Maybe submission. We will see.”

Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) predicts Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) will finish Alexander Volkanovski at #UFC284! (via @LynchSports).

Full interview: https://t.co/KO4ULblRfN pic.twitter.com/PaDXUDLEWQ

— LowKickMMA.com (@LowKick_MMA) February 9, 2023

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Absence Will Not Be an Issue for Islam Makhachev

Asked if the absence of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov in Islam Makhachev’s corner will make a difference, ‘Polish Power’ believes that the two have likely stayed in close contact throughout Makhachev’s preparations and will be there in spirit on Saturday night.

“I think they’ve [been] in contact. He called to him, say what he has to do. He will support him. Maybe not officially, but unofficial for sure, and mentally he will be in his corner so I don’t think that will change anything.”

Both fighters will walk into the UFC 284 main event with impressive win streaks. Islam Makhachev has scored 11 straight victories, seven coming by way of finish. On the flip side, Alexander Volkanovski goes into the champion vs. champion superfight with an incredible 22-fight win streak including wins over Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega, The Korean Zombie, and Max Holloway on three separate occasions.

Ariel Helwani Doubts Dana White’s Knowledge Of UFC Roster

Ariel Helwani thinks that Dana White has become so disinterested in promoting the UFC that he barely knows the fighters signed to the roster. The UFC is set to return to Australia for the first time in more than three years when UFC 284 takes place at …

Continue Reading Ariel Helwani Doubts Dana White’s Knowledge Of UFC Roster at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev/Alexander Volkanovski Go Back & Forth On Size Difference

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski have their disagreements about whether or not size will be a factor at UFC 284 on Saturday. Makhachev will defend his lightweight belt for the first time against the pound-for-pound king Volkanovski in the UFC …

Continue Reading Islam Makhachev/Alexander Volkanovski Go Back & Forth On Size Difference at MMA News.

Alexander Volkanovski says Conor McGregor would be in title contention with a win: “Line these next guys up for me.”

Alexander Volkanovski wants to defend his future lightweight title against Conor McGregor. The UFC featherweight world champion Alexander Volkanovski will soon be challenging for the lightweight throne against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. If Alexander ‘The Great’ was to capture the lightweight world title, he explained that Conor McGregor, former two-division champion, can challenge for […]

If Alexander ‘The Great’ was to capture the lightweight world title, he explained that Conor McGregor, former two-division champion, can challenge for the crown if he defeats Michael Chandler later this year.

In the UFC 284 pre-fight press conference, Australia’s Volkanovski explained:

“It’s always good to have Conor coming back to the sport, brings a lot of eyes in. That’ll be a fun fight as well, you know. I think it’s clever for both of them … [With a win] That just puts Conor right back in the conversation for the belt.”

Conor McGregor will coach a season of The Ultimate Fighter against Michael Chandler and then the two are likely to meet at 170. Volkanovski added that this is fine. He continued:

“At the end of the day, it is Conor McGregor. When you’re pulling those types of numbers. You gotta remember he is always taking on the good guys as well. So he’s always stepping up and taking on dangerous fighters. The fight is at 170, you’re right, not the lightweight division. Look, if it was anyone else I’d say no way, right.”

Alexander Volkanovski wants to be active in two weight classes, including facing Conor McGregor

Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski wants to hold two world titles in the UFC and defend both of them. He is looking to be as active as possible taking on top contenders at 145 and 155.

In the UFC 284, pre-fight press conference, he said:

“I’m planning on taking that lightweight belt and seeing what’s happening. In the division, there’s a lot of potential matchups after this one … I want to be active. Line these next guys up for me because I want to have a very busy year.”

See the full press conference below: