Islam Makhachev wants multi-division championship glory, but one UFC analyst would prefer to see him stick in his own lane.
Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira were the most speculated names for Islam Makhachev's next fight. However, the champ has another opponent in mind.
Dricus du Plessis brutally shut down Islam Makhachev ‘s potential pursuit of championships in three divisions ahead of his UFC 312 return to the Octagon. After Makhachev teased a potential clash with du Plessis at middleweight, it didn’t take long for the middleweight titleholder to dismiss his chances.
It's difficult getting a group of people to agree on almost anything. But the ESPN pound-for-pound voting panel is now unanimous in proclaiming Islam Makhachev the No. 1 fighter in MMA. Makhachev's quick,
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has long been considered one of the best fighters in the division's history—and arguably one of
Dricus Du Plessis is solely focused on defending his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, so he "did make much" of Islam Makhachev's comments about a potential move to middleweight. Following thi
Anthony Smith doesn't agree with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev being the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) already was No. 1 prior to quickly submitting Renato Moicano in Saturday's UFC 311 main event.
Makhachev became the UFC record holder for lightweight title defenses this past weekend at UFC 311 after he submitted Renato Moicano in the first round. It was an unexpected last-minute matchup after original opponent Arman Tsarukyan withdrew on weigh-ins day because of a back injury.
Du Plessis is coming off arguably the biggest win of his career as he defended the middleweight belt against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 last year. A win over Strickland would likely set him up for a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev for his next title defense.
Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the best modern-day MMA greats. Ruling the UFC lightweight division, Makhachev is looking unbeatable at the moment. Take his UFC 311 victory ...
Team Khabib coach claims Islam Makhachev can achieve a three-division title run and targets Shavkat Rakhmonov for welterweight gold.
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has playfully noted UFC boss Dana White's change of stance over the pound-for-pound rankings.