UFC 311: Islam Makhachev targets titles at three different weights after lightweight defence
2025-01-19
Category: sports

Islam Makhachev set his sights on becoming a three-weight champion before he retires after retaining his lightweight title by beating Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on Saturday.The 33-year-old has been unstoppable in the division, becoming the first man to successfully defend the belt four times in a row.Makhachev has spoken before about a move to featherweight, where Ilia Topuria is champion. "I don't know when it's going to happen but I am not leaving this sport without a second belt," Makhachev said after his win."Right now my goal is to be double champion. I don't know if it's going to be next fight or when. I am going to still fight, still win. I will defend my belt."When they give me chance, I will be double champion."If he achieves that objective, Makhachev would look for success in a third weight division.Undefeated Topuria was quick to throw his name in the hat to fight Makhachev next."Islam, if I want to, I can finish you," Topuria said. "If I want to, I can knock you out. I'll make it look easy."
UFC president Dana White said after the fight in Inglewood, California that he considers Makhachev the UFC's pound-for-pound best fighter, suggesting the Russian could be the best lightweight ever.Makhachev broke a title defence record jointly held by Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn and Benson Henderson with his victory over Moicano, by keeping the belt for a fourth time.Makhachev, who has won 15 fights in a row, confidently claimed he has what it takes to become a three-weight champion.South African Dricus du Plessis defends the middleweight belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February and Makhachev said he would be willing to move up from 155lbs to 185lbs."I can be three division also. Just give me the chance," he said."I will fight with Du Plessis. If Dana White sends the contract, I will fight."