The current UFC lightweight title holder, Islam Makhachev, plans to fight two more fights in his weight class before attempting to win a second championship belt.
According to the Russian, he will defend against American Dustin Poirier and his compatriot Arman Tsarukyan, and then challenge whoever holds the UFC welterweight title.
“Honestly, there are no interesting fights left for me in the lightweight division,” the Russian said in an interview with New York Post Sports. “Dustin won one fight and we have Armand. I already beat this guy. I think there is no more work for me in the lightweight division. They should give me a chance to win a second title.”
“I’ve already beaten all these guys, done all the work in the division. In my division, everyone in the top five killed each other. That’s why I need new challenges, new opponents. I think I’ll finish off the next guy, and the next one. After Dustin there will be Armand, and that’s it. I need a second belt. Let’s see if I keep the lightweight title. Maybe I’ll take two belts and defend both.”
Let us remind you that the title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier will headline the UFC 302 tournament in Newark on June 1, and if the champion manages to retain the belt, his fight with Arman Tsarukyan could take place on October 26 at the UFC 308 tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Tags: Islam Makhachev named lightweight opponents
