Champion Makhachev outclasses the legendary Khabib and makes history! He wants to go for the UFC title at another weight

Islam Makhachev may not be one of the UFC’s most popular champions, but he’s certainly one of the best. His qualities were highlighted after his last fight not only by his opponent Dustin Poirier, but also by the head of the organization Dana White. The Dagestani fighter is making history. What’s next for him?

The lightweight champion showed on Saturday night why he is the king of the UFC P4P rankings and probably the best fighter in the world. Islam Makhachev has another successful defense and an extremely valuable scalp under his belt. He defeated Dustin Poirier, one of the greatest legends.

While the 35-year-old Poirier is thinking about the end of his career after the defeat, the three years younger Dagestani is making history and looking for the next base. With his victory over Diamond, he took a major step in his career and surpassed his mentor.

Makhachev was for a very long time the ward of the legendary and never defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov. He was also the one who was not missing in Islam’s corner during the duel with the American, whom he himself defeated years ago. He watched the moment when his pupil managed to outclass him.

While the champion will never have a zero in the defeat column like Khabib, the win over Poirier was his 14th in a row in the UFC. Nurmagomedov held thirteen, hence Islam overtook him.

Other than that, Makhachev is within striking distance of the UFC record. His streak is the third longest in the organization’s history. Kamaru Usman holds the second place with 15 wins in a row, the first place belongs to the legendary Anderson Silva with 16 wins.

The tribute was given to Islam after the mutual duel by Poirier, and at the press conference afterwards he was praised by Dana White, who believes that the Dagestani is one of the best fighters in history. Still, he doesn’t think he should be king of the P4P rankings when the crown, in his words, belongs to Jon Jones.

Will Makhachev go for another title?

At lightweight, the situation is rather muddled. While there is no shortage of challenges, with the exception of Arman Tsarukyan, no one seems to be in a position to challenge for a title shot. Only Max Holloway, who defeated Justin Gaethje by a sensational knockout that wasn’t really counted on.

Moreover, it should be mentioned that Islam Makhachev himself is not too keen on a fight with Holloway. After all, he is still being told that he beat Alexander Volkanovsky mainly because the Australian fights down in weight. The same would supposedly happen if he were to beat Max.

So what happens next? The Dagestani himself would like to try a new challenge and fight for another title, at least that’s what he said in his post-fight interview. He’s tempted by the welter. Leon Edwards is the reigning champion there, but he will have to defend against Belal Muhammad, with whom Makhachev is in the same management.

If Edwards wins, Islam has a clear plan. If Belal wins, there will be a lot to sort out. Either way, the Tsarukyan fight is one that everyone wants to see.

Source: UFC