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UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is eyeing a potential move to welterweight in the future.
During a recent interview with RSports Russia, the 31-year-old teased a move to the 170-pound weight class, saying that he would eventually like to have a crack at the welterweight title:
"I will say this topic is relevant. I like to compete, I like to fight strong fighters. I love big fights - whoever is the welterweight champion, it's going to be a huge fight. I'm very interested." [Translated from Russian to English via Google]
It seems like the current welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards is also in favor of a super-fight with the Dagestani star. In a pre-fight media event for UFC 286, 'Rocky' said that he would welcome a future clash with the lightweight champion.
Catch Leon Edwards' comments on fighting Islam Makhachev below:
However, the Russian feels that he still has unfinished business at 155 pounds before considering moving up in weight. As per Makhachev, the lightweight division is still full of worthy contenders, whom he is yet to face:
"But so that in 2023... There are worthy applicants, with whom I still have to meet."
Makhachev is currently gearing up for his first title defense against pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski. The duo will lock horns at the upcoming UFC 284 scheduled for February 11 in Perth, Australia.
A Makhachev win will see him take over the No.1 position on the pound-for-pound ladder. While the Russian holds an enviable 23-1 record, 'The Great' also possesses an equally impressive resume consisting of 25 wins against a solitary loss.
Islam Makhachev speaks about Khabib Nurmagomedov not being in his corner for UFC 284
During the same interview, Islam Makhachev spoke about his long-time friend Khabib Nurmagomedov completely distancing himself from all things MMA.
As per Makhachev, having an experienced fighter like 'The Eagle' in one's corner makes a huge difference:
"When he's in the corner, it's much better. We saw it in Abu Dhabi [against Charles Oliveira], he will tell you, 'Slow down here, here...' When you have such an experienced second, it's a hundred percent big factor. He plays in your favor."
Furthermore, the Russian revealed that Esedulla Emiragaev will be taking over Nurmagomedov's place in his corner for UFC 284.
Earlier this January, 'The Eagle' announced that he was stepping away from MMA completely. In a cryptic post, the Dagestani legend alluded to his complete retirement from the sport.
