Los Angeles — UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title at UFC 311 on Saturday, notching his fourth defense with a submission over short-notice replacement Renato Moicano.
With Arman Tsarukyan pulling out on weigh-in day, it was Moicano who fell victim to a D’arce choking, giving Makhachev (27-1) the lightweight title defense record in the process. The Dagestani now has more title defenses than cousin Khabib, more than Frankie Edgar, more than B.J. Penn.
As for the change in opponents, it was “nothing,” Makhachev insisted following Saturday’s main event. “For me it’s nothing, man. I don’t prepare myself just for Amran or someone. I prepare myself for a fight. And for me, it’s no matter. I always tell you guys. If this happened before [the fight], one hour, I will say yes, because I’m training the last three months for the fight. Not just for one opponent, for the fight. No matter who it’s going to be.”
Makhachev revealed that he had only watched a single one of Moicano’s fights in preparation for Saturday’s title defense. That was Moicano versus Jalin Turner, “because he’s a southpaw.” Of course, Makhachev noted that he was already familiar with Moicano, and had been on hand for the Brazilian’s fight with Zubaira Tukhugov.
With the title defense record, and UFC President and CEO Dana White calling him the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the company, “I think now I’m close to the Hall of Fame,” Makhachev said with a laugh.
Charles Oliveira could be up next; Arman Tsarukyan almost certainly won’t be, per White. For Islam Makhachev, it doesn’t matter.
“Not my business. I’m the fighter, just send me contract. That’s it. I need some new target, I need some jobs. I want to be busy.”
What does matter to Makhachev, it seems, is legacy. And that means more than just title defenses. Islam has his eye on a second title. And perhaps even a third. Welterweight would be the obvious first stop.
“I’m not leaving this sport without a second belt. I need the second belt, and after will [say], ‘I’m the greatest’ or something. But right now, my goal is to be double champ. I don’t know guys, if it’s going to be next fight, or when. I’m going to still [be] fighting, still winning, defend my belt, how many times the UFC wants me to defend my belt, I will defend. When they give me a chance, I want to be double champ.”
Makhachev then broached the idea of a third title. To date, only ONE Championship’s Anatoly Malykhin has achieved triple-champ status in a major organization.
“I can be three-division [champ] also. Just give me the chance, that’s it. I will fight with [Dricus] Du Plessis. If they give me the chance, I will fight with him also. I swear if Dana White gives me a contract, I will fight with him also.”
Don’t expect a light heavyweight run, however, despite claims by Makhachev’s manager that he could do just that.
“It’s too much,” Makhachev said with a laugh, adding a joke at teammate Daniel Cormier’s expense. “I need the D.C. diet program to be 200 pounds.”
Watch the full UFC 311 post-fight press conference with Islam Makhachev above.
