On Saturday night at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev beat Renato Moicano for his fourth title defense, breaking a UFC record for most consecutive defenses by a lightweight champion. And it sounds like he’s just getting started.
While Makhachev has talked about becoming a double champion in the future, he sounded committed to continuing to defend his belt at 155 pounds.
“For me, no matter,” he told Joe Rogan when asked who was next. “Whoever can make 155, just step into the cage and stand in front of me … I like this belt. It’s not my job [to choose challengers]. If somebody wants this belt, come to the cage.”
He reiterated that stance at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference.
“Not my business, I’m the fighter. Just send me contract,” Makhachev said. “That’s it. I need some new targets. I need some jobs. I want to be busy.”
Makhachev’s issue is he’s already beaten almost everyone at the top of the lightweight rankings. He beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Arman Tsarukyan he beat in 2019, and now the UFC has said “Akhalkalakets” will have to re-earn a No. 1 contender spot. There’s Justin Gaethje, who’s been scheduled to fight at UFC 313 against Dan Hooker (whom Makhachev beat at UFC 267).
With the top of the division nearly swept clean, Makhachev could be demanding a shot at a second belt. Maybe it’s because the welterweight title is currently held by his friend and training partner Belal Muhammad, but Islam is sounding very zen and patient about his goal.
“I don’t know when it’s gonna happen, but I told you: I’m not leave this sport without a second belt,” Makhachev said. “I need the second belt, after I will talk like I’m the greatest or something. But right now, my goal is to be double champ.”
“I don’t know if it’s gonna be next fight or when. I’m gonna [keep] fighting, [keep] winning, defend my belt. How many times the UFC want me to defend my belt, I will defend. And even when they give me chance, I want to be [defending] double champ.”
He even suggested a middleweight title win was possible, in a world where the UFC would grant him a shot at it.
“I can be three division [champion] also,” he said. “Just give me the chance, I will fight with Dricus Du Plessis. If they give me the chance, I will fight with him also. I swear if Dana White send me contract, I will fight with him also.”
But for now, his sights are set on defending at lightweight.
“If you see 155, send me contract,” he concluded. “That’s it. Who gonna make 155? Let’s go.
