Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight king, Islam Makhachev, is more interested in adding new names to his resume than taking on rematches. He’s not one to dwell on the past, it seems.
A rising star in the division, Arman Tsarukyan, recently made his presence known. He did so with a brutal KO win over Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin on Dec. 2. Quite a statement, huh?
Tsarukyan’s demand for a title shot was acknowledged by Dana White. But Makhachev thinks the Georgian needs to pass another test in impressive fashion first. He’s not handing over the title that easily.
When asked about Tsarukyan’s prediction of a first-round KO, Makhachev had a thing or two to say. He reminded everyone that he had won all three rounds against “Ahalkalakets” in their initial encounter back in 2019. A bit of history there.
Makhachev admitted, “Well it was a good knockout to be honest. After that fight I think he said loudly that he had won the top [ranking].” He added, “Well, he is approaching the title chance I would say… He already had the chance to knock me out. But he didn’t succeed. He didn’t win a single round. Let him train more, he’ll grow up. If he pass one more fight confidently then the UFC leadership will give him this fight. Why not.”
Another option for Makhachev in the crowded lightweight title scene is a rematch against former champ Charles Oliveira. He defeated Oliveira via submission at UFC 280 to claim lightweight gold in October 2022. But Makhachev would rather defend his strap against a new opponent over potential rematches. He’s got his eyes on Justin Gaethje for a clash at UFC 299 in March.
“To be honest, I’ve already told I’m not that interested in rematches,” Makhachev said. “Because if you want to win someone in a good way, you have to add new names. There is Gaethje, who I would say deserved a fight. I think it would be more interesting to fight him. I think in March, maybe – most likely, yes, at the number event [UFC 299].”
In his ideal world, Makhachev would become a double champion before calling it a career. “The second belt is the fight of a dream,” he said. “This is what motivates me at the moment… The ideal ending [to my career would be] to win both belts, to defend both belts.” Quite the dream, huh?