Islam Makhachev is not simply trying to win UFC welterweight gold and turn out to be a part of the wealthy historical past of two-division champions. However the former light-weight kingpin hopes to blaze a path at 170 kilos to eclipse Kamaru Usman’s welterweight championship report.
Makhachev has an opportunity to do exactly that this weekend as he appears to be like to dethrone welterweight champion Jacques Della Maddalena in the primary occasion of UFC 322 this Saturday.
In an interview with UFC, together with an excerpt of the clip shared to the X account @ChampRDS, Makhachev mentioned:
“I’ve completed a standard job in my weight class, light-weight. I’ve defended the belt greater than anybody, greater than anybody. I wish to do one thing extra. I feel it is everybody’s dream to not simply be a champion, however to be like a double champion. Defend your second belt, possibly much more than Kamaru (Usman). Be within the Corridor of Fame, that is it.”
Islam Makhachev has his eye on one other UFC megafight with Usman, in line with Makhachev’s coach
Islam Makhachev has a giant matchup developing quickly, however his coach is already contemplating some subsequent choices for the Dagestani warrior in 2026. The individual discussing this matter is Javier Mendez, and these had been the issues he expressed when he appeared on a TV present. submission radio.
Coach Mendes named Kamaru Usman as Makhachev’s most definitely subsequent opponent, based mostly on Usman’s efficiency in his final battle towards Joaquin Buckley.
The previous welterweight champion is at the moment the No. 5 contender at 170 kilos, and Usman’s resume from his time as a champion factors to key components for his subsequent title shot. Within the talked about interview, Mendes additionally talked about UFC light-weight champion Ilya Topria as somebody who could possibly be a really fascinating opponent for his assault sooner or later.
Mendez appears to suppose a superfight with Topria would generate the largest buzz attainable for Makhachev, and lots of MMA followers all over the world would very a lot agree with that opinion.
