Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, has explained that he has no intention to stop at one championship belt in MMA. Ahead of this weekend’s long-awaited title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, Makhachev has been actively participating in pre-fight media engagements.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the Dagestani fighter confessed his desire to make his way up into a higher weight class to try and capture the welterweight title. When asked about his intention to fight at 170 lbs, Makhachev replied with a firm “Yes, that is my goal.”
The interviewer posed the question:
“I know your ambition is to go up to 170lbs. So that would excite you to fight for another belt against fresh blood, new opponents. How far off do you think that will be?”
Islam Makhachev responded confidently:
“You know it’s not my job, but it’s my goal. But I’m not going to leave this sport without a second belt. This is my goal”
This statement reaffirms Makhachev’s desire to etch his name. Though currently his primary goal is to retain his UFC lightweight title against Tsarukyan, the dream of a two-division champion is driving his MMA career.
Currently, Belal Muhammad is the UFC welterweight division champion. He is a serious occupational disruption in the way Islam Makhachev plans to gain title in two divisions. Besides training together, the friendship between these two sportsmen and their common manager, Ali Abdelaziz, plays a role in this fight. In his talks, Makhachev also revealed to be uncertain about fighting Belal due to their close personal and professional relationship.
Islam Makhachev hints at Fighting Belal Muhammad to become double champion
In the same interview with TNT Sports, the topic of a potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad was brought up. The Dagestani did acknowledge his friendship and professional ties with the welterweight champion. However, he hinted that circumstances could change. This keeps the door open for a potential clash if Belal remains the champion when Makhachev makes his move to welterweight.
The interviewer asked:
“If Belal Muhammad still held that belt at 170lbs, would you fight him? As I know you’ve trained together. You know, you’re somewhat friends. Is that right? Have you had a discussion with Belal if you’d fight one and other?”
Islam Makhachev acknowledged the complexities of the situation, saying,
“He’s my friend. We were training last week together, you know, and we have this guy, manager [Ali Abdelaziz] for both and we will talk you know. Like anything can change like very quick. That’s why I’m not planning to retire yet and I have time.”
Islam Makhachev again insisted that he would not retire until winning a second belt and emphasized that he has ample time to accomplish his mission. For now, he remains concerned with the lightweight title, where he is to defend it against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.
Islam Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 in a highly anticipated rematch. Having previously defeated Tsarukyan, Makhachev will look to solidify his dominance in the division, while Tsarukyan aims to avenge his loss and claim the title. As our previous article shows Makhachev will earn up to $3.5 million. Tsarukyan will bank up to $2 million according to pay-per-view sales.
Sachin Singh 
REDDAVENI SAISNEHA 
Ashvinkumar Patil