Fighting next weekend against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Islam Makhachev isn’t looking past The Diamond but has given his opinions on his potential next fight.
Islam Makhachev Talks Former Opponent as Potential Next Fight
When talking to John McCarthy on the Weighing In podcast. The current lightweight champion was asked about former opponent Arman Tsarukyan and his improvements since their 2019 fight.
The current lightweight champ gave his unfiltered view on Tsarukyan and his skills since their previous meeting.
“Of course, he deserves to fight for the title, he’s beaten everyone, who we have at lightweight. But it’s going to be the same [result] you know?” Continuing “ I don’t see something that he has more than me. Wrestling, grappling, striking he has the same [as their last bout].”
“He will be champion… Maybe one day, when I’ve retired, but now we’re on a different level.”
Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan Future Title Fight
Although Makhachev has a tough test in front of him at UFC 302, in the form of Dustin Poirier. The current champion is confident he can remain at the top of the lightweight division. If, and it’s a big if. Islam does leave UFC 302 victorious, it sets up perfectly for the Tsarukyan rematch.
Since their previous meeting, the Armenian has lost just once in ten fights. Amassing a record of 9-1, compared to the champion’s 8-0 in that time. At just 27, he is five years younger than the reigning champion. The 2019 bout was his debut where he was only 23 years old.
Tsarukyan is undoubtedly deserving of a shot at the title. Having defeated both Beneil Dariush and former champion Charles Oliveira in his last two victories. However, Makhachev may look elsewhere for his next challenge, hinting at a move to welterweight.
Who should be Islam Makhachev’s next fight if he is victorious at UFC 302?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
