NEWARK, N.J. – Islam Makhachev will settle for no matter problem the promotion provides him subsequent, however his preferences are clear.
Following UFC 302, UFC CEO Dana White known as a matchup vs. Arman Tsarukyan the combat to make for Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC). Nonetheless, the light-weight champion a lot prefers a step up in division as a substitute after his submission win Saturday over Dustin Poirier.
“Who doesn’t need to be double champion?” Makhachev advised reporters, together with MMA Junkie, at a post-fight information convention Sunday at Prudential Middle. “That is historical past. What number of double champions we’ve? It is a dream for all fighters, to get second belt.
“That is my dream. I need to be within the historical past and folks know me like double champ. That is my dream. If I’ve probability, a small probability, I’ll get. In order for you a terrific legacy, it’s important to get second belt. It’s my opinion.”
Makhachev repeatedly known as for a combat at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York and voiced enjoyment in preventing in the US.
Whereas Makhachev stated he’d conform to combat Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) if that’s what White needs, the prospect of preventing somebody he already beat is essentially unappealing.
Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by unanimous choice in April 2019. It was Tsarukyan’s promotional debut.
“I’m prepared, man,” Makhachev stated. “Dana has my quantity. Simply name me and put some new problem. … It doesn’t make sense when you could have rematch. I want some new problem. But when Dana need, let’s do it. No downside.”
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