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Islam Makhachev is determined to move up to welterweight in the future.
In the lead-up to his fight at UFC 284, Makhachev did an interview with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie. At one point, the Dagestani was asked about the possibility of competing in the welterweight division down the line.
The reigning lightweight champion expressed his desire to mount a champ-champ charge, saying he plans to have a conversation with UFC president Dana White regarding the matter:
"It's gonna happen one day... You know, I'm gonna call Dana and say, 'Hey Dana, just put on your mind, if you need someone in the 170 [pound division], I'm gonna be ready.'"
Check out Islam Makhachev's comments in the video below:
Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title in a superfight against featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 this weekend. 'The Great' and the Russian currently hold the number one and number two spots, respectively, on the UFC's male pound-for-pound list.
Both athletes have been running through the competition in their respective divisions. The Dagestani is currently on a 11-fight win streak that includes victories over Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, Drew Dober and Bobby Green.
Volkanovski, meanwhile, is undefeated in the UFC and has won all 12 of his fights in the promotion. During his incredible run, the Australian has beaten Max Holloway three times, along with Chan Sung Jung, Brian Ortega, Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes.
With that, there will be a lot on the line for both fighters come February 11. MMA fans around the world will no doubt be glued to their screens to see who emerges victorious in this thrilling clash.
Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be in Islam Makhachev's corner at UFC 284
Islam Makhachev will arguably face his toughest challenge in Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. But this time, Makhachev's childhood friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be present in his corner to support him.
Volkanovski recently weighed in on the matter in an interview with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto. The featherweight champ said that although it would have been great to have 'The Eagle' in Perth for the fight, he does not want his absence to be used as an excuse if he gets his hand raised:
"He's [Islam Makhachev] fought without Khabib. Obviously having him here would have been incredible...But Islam's proven that he's a great fighter. He doesn't need [Khabib]... It's gonna be him in there, let's be real. It ain't gonna affect him one bit. So don't use that as an excuse this Sunday."
Catch Alexander Volkanovski's comments below:
