Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev face off before UFC 280. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
On his way to his highly anticipated rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 , which takes place in January 2025, Islam Makhachev is already reflecting on the next steps in his career. The Russian has ambitious plans: to win a second belt, this time in the welterweight division (up to 77kg). In an interview with Daniel Cormier , the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) revealed that he is not so interested in a new fight against Charles Oliveira.
When asked about the possibility of a rematch with the Brazilian, the lightweight champion was direct: the fight against Do Bronx is not exciting, although it leaves the door open for it to happen, if the circumstances involve a mutual interest.
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“I don’t know. I’m looking beyond Arman. If I beat him, I’m tired of giving anybody a rematch, you know? I need a second belt. We’ll see. There are a lot of good fighters. I’ve already beaten Charles (from the Bronx), I’ve already beaten Arman (Tsarukyan). I’m not excited (about a rematch), you know? Beating Charles again. But if he wants it, if Dana wants it and the fans want it, why not?”
Makhachev is a UFC standout
Makhachev, who is also ranked number 1 in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings, highlighted his focus on new challenges. Although he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 , the Russian showed that the desire to move up a weight class and pursue a new title, such as the welterweight title, occupies his thoughts at the moment.
Islam, 33, has a record of 26 wins and one loss. Besides Tsarukyan and Charles, he has also defeated names like Alexander Volkanovski , Bobby, Dan Hooker , and Dustin Poirier.
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