Islam Makhachev wants something else besides Arman Tsarukyan

NEWARK, N.J. – Islam Makhachev will settle for no matter problem the promotion affords him subsequent, however his preferences are clear.

Following UFC 302, UFC CEO Dana White referred to as a matchup vs. Arman Tsarukyan the battle to make for Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC). Nonetheless, the light-weight champion a lot prefers a step up in division as an alternative after his submission win Saturday over Dustin Poirier.

“Who doesn’t need to be double champion?” Makhachev informed 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. If you’d like an excellent legacy, it’s important to get second belt. It’s my opinion.”

Makhachev repeatedly referred to as for a battle at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York and voiced enjoyment in combating in the USA.

Whereas Makhachev mentioned he’d conform to battle Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) if that’s what White needs, the prospect of combating somebody he already beat is essentially unappealing.

Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan by unanimous determination in April 2019. It was Tsarukyan’s promotional debut.

“I’m prepared, man,” Makhachev mentioned. “Dana has my quantity. Simply name me and put some new problem. … It doesn’t make sense when you’ve rematch. I would like some new problem. But when Dana need, let’s do it. No drawback.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302.