Islam Makhachev wishes to be an active champion and fight as much as possible. Following his KO win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, the champ is weighing up his options for his next fight. As such, he has also made his preference known.
Previously, Makhachev was meant to take on Charles Oliveira in a rematch of their UFC 280 fight. Unfortunately, only days removed from the fight, the Brazilian picked up an injury, prompting featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski to step in. Although he did manage to step in on short notice and save the event, Volk was dealt with in the very first round.
Islam Makhachev says that he is not interested in another rematch next (Tsarukyan or Oliveira) and that he wants to fight Justin Gaethje.
He mentions UFC 299 in Miami as an option 👀
via YT / Ushatayka pic.twitter.com/muMNBj8W7l
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 9, 2023
Now, a few weeks removed from the event, Islam responded to callouts by Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. “To be honest, I’ve already told I’m not interested in rematches. If you want someone to win (the title) in a good way, you have to add new names”. Thus, the champ adds, “There is (Justin) Gaethje, who I would say deserved a fight. I think it would be more interesting to fight him”.
As for Gaethje, he recently secured the BMF title against Dustin Poirier with a head-kick KO of his own. In a fight many expected to go the distance, ‘The Highlight’ weaved a moment of magic to win the fight. With another superb finish to add to his resume, many felt that he was finally deserving of another title shot.
Islam Makhachev wants to fight for a second title
Although the champ prefers to fight Gaethje next, there is no telling what the UFC hierarchy is planning. As for when the fans can expect to see him next, Makhachev responded that he is looking to fight again in March. More specifically, he mentions UFC 299 in Miami as his target.
One of the most dominant lightweights in the history of the promotion, there is a feeling that Islam Makhachev will want to do something great before he retires. As such, the 32-year-old has often expressed his interest in wanting to fight for the welterweight strap before he retires. In the past, Islam has stated with great confidence that he truly believes he can get the better of Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.
With the two set to face off at UFC 296 later this month, it is expected that Makhachev will be keeping a close eye on the matter. In the past, Colby Covington has accused Islam of running from the contenders in his division. Notably, ‘Chaos’ has also expressed his desire to have a Russia vs. USA super fight as well. However, he must first win the title off of Leon Edwards.
As for Leon himself, he is keen on his own two-divisional pursuits. With rumors of Islam dominating him in the gym, a fight between the pair of them will likely never transpire. All things considered, there are a lot of interesting possibilities with the current champions. Additionally, with the all-important UFC 300 coming up next year, many will have their eyes peeled for any fight news.
