Makhachev silences critics and defends his chance to become a two-division UFC champion.

Makhachev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UF

This Saturday (15), in New York (USA), Islam makhachev He can expand his history and legacy in MMA. The former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), the Russian, will headline the event. UFC 322 on Jack Della Maddalena, the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg). With the chance to join the select group of fighters holding two belts in different weight classes, the athlete opened up about his current situation.

In the 'Countdown' program for the UFC 322Makhachev openly expressed his happiness at having a special opportunity in his career and defended his current position. However, in MMA, some say that the Russian didn't earn the chance to compete for a second belt in a different weight class and that he achieved this status because he is friends with... Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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Aware of these comments, the athlete emphasized that, after dominating the lightweight division, his time had come to take on new challenges in the sport. It's worth noting that Makhachev defended the lightweight title four times, becoming the record holder for title defenses in its history. Therefore, the Russian convinced Dana White to give him an opportunity to challenge the welterweight champion.

“All my life I’ve fought against the best fighters. All my opponents were very dangerous. After you become UFC champion, you have to do something more. I defended my belt more than anyone. I did everything I had to do at lightweight. I’m not here just for the money. Now it’s all about legacy and I deserve to be a two-division champion. Now, my goal is to be a double champion,” said the MMA legend.

Dominance in the lightweights

Islam makhachevThe 33-year-old made his mark in the UFC lightweight division. The Russian became champion of the category in 2022, when he submitted... Charles of the Bronx in the fight for the vacant title. From there, the athlete defended the belt by winning. Alexander Volkanovsky twice, by unanimous decision and knockout, and by submission Dustin poirier e Renato MoicanoCurrently, the professional has 15 consecutive wins.