Islam Makhachev isn’t just merely trying to seize UFC welterweight gold to change into part of that wealthy historical past of two-division champions. However the former light-weight kingpin needs to carve out a path at 170 kilos that may see him eclipse the welterweight championship run that Kamaru Usman went on.
Makhachev has an opportunity to just do that this weekend as he appears to be like to unseat welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena from his throne in the principle occasion of UFC 322 this Saturday.
Throughout an interview with the UFC, with an excerpt of the clip shared to X account @ChampRDS, Makhachev stated,
“I did previous job in my division, light-weight. I defend my belt greater than all people, greater than somebody. I wish to do one thing extra. Not simply change into champion simply to change into like double champ which I feel is dream for everyone you understand. Second belt, defend, perhaps greater than Kamaru [Usman]. To change into corridor of fame and that’s it.”
Islam Makhachev eyes usman and one other UFC mega combat, per Makhachev’s coach
Whereas Islam Makhachev has an enormous matchup within the coming days, his coach is already considering some subsequent choices for the Dagestan fighter in 2026. Javier Mendez was the particular person in query discussing this, and this stuff have been expressed when he was showing on Submission Radio.
Mendez talked about Kamaru Usman as somebody who can be the likeliest subsequent opponent for Makhachev, contemplating how Usman did towards Joaquin Buckley in his final outing.
The previous welterweight champion is at present the quantity 5 contender at 170 kilos, and Usman’s resume from when he was the champion showcases the transferring elements that might play into him securing that subsequent title shot. Within the referenced interview, Mendez additionally talked about UFC light-weight champion Ilia Topuria as somebody who might be fairly an intriguing opponent for his cost, down the road.
Mendez appears to assume an excellent combat with Topuria would create the most important buzz attainable for Makhachev, and plenty of MMA followers the world over would doubtless agree with that sentiment in a giant manner.
