Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight king Islam
Makhachev would prefer adding new names to his resume than
taking on rematches.
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Surging contender Arman
Tsarukyan recently announced his arrival at the top of the
155-pound division with a brutal KO win over Beneil
Dariush at UFC Austin on Dec. 2. While Tsarukyan’s subsequent
demand for a title shot was acknowledged by Dana White, Makhachev
believes the Georgian has to pass another test in impressive
fashion first.
Asked about Tsarukyan’s prediction of a first-round KO, Makhachev
noted that he had won all three rounds against “Ahalkalakets” in
their initial encounter back in 2019.
“Well it was a good knockout to be honest. After that fight I think
he said loudly that he had won the top [ranking],” Makhachev told
Ushatayka. “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, who he defeated via submission at UFC 280 to claim
lightweight gold in October 2022. However, the champ would prefer
defending his strap against a new opponent over either potential
rematches. He is currently eyeing 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.”