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 in search of the largest fights potential that can elevate him to that degree.
Makhachev placed on a robust efficiency towards a really recreation Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, bringing the struggle to “Diamond” on the ft 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 buddy and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, but it surely was a reminder that Islam will probably be very arduous to dethrone at 155 kilos.
However is he P4P No. 1 within the UFC proper now? Not in line with 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 12 months.
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, perhaps it’s his opinion,” he mentioned. “However I believe I saved this card at present, as a result of all these fights boring, and all the world virtually 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 acquired bonuses. However now it’s okay.”
Makhachev’s mission now could be to get a second belt at welterweight.
“Who don’t need to be double champion?” he mentioned when requested about his future. “That is historical past, what number of double champs we’ve? It is a dream for all fighters to get second belt. That is my dream, and I need to be within the historical past so individuals know me as double champ. If I’ve likelihood, small likelihood, I’ll get [it], and it’s [this] factor that makes me get up within the each morning and prepare very arduous.”
The win over Poirier marks Makhachev’s third profitable light-weight title protection. Nobody has defended that belt 4 instances, however Islam appeared tired of stepping out forward of the pack at 155 in that method.
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 report or one thing like this,” he mentioned. “If you’d like nice legacy, it’s important to get second belt. It’s my opinion.”
A second belt is unquestionably flashier on the resume, however proper now it seems just like the UFC goes to have Makhachev defend the light-weight title towards Arman Tsarukyan subsequent.
“I’m prepared,” Islam mentioned relating to that struggle. “Dana have my quantity. Simply name me and put some new problem. It not make sense [why] we’d have rematch, but when Dana desires it, let’s do it. No drawback.”
The one ask Makhachev has is to compete in New York Metropolis as a substitute of Abu Dhabi.
“Truthfully, it’s my dream combating Madison Sq. Backyard,” he defined. “And now I believe the US followers like me as a result of we present good struggle tonight. If they provide me an opportunity to return again in Madison Sq. Backyard, that is my dream, struggle 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 struggle. So as soon as once more Jones is messing Islam’s biz up, making Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan more likely for October in Abu Dhabi.
