UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reaffirmed his ambitions to capture the welterweight title and expressed his readiness to face middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Islam Makhachev at a press conference
I don’t know when (my move to welterweight) is gonna happen but I will not leave this sport without a second belt, I need the second belt to be, and after (I can be called) the greatest or something but right now I need to be double champ. I can be three division (champion) also. Just give me the chance, that’s it. I will fight with (Dricus) Du Plessis, give me the chance, I will fight him also. I swear if Dana White sends me the contract, I will fight him also.
Recall that on January 19 in Los Angeles (USA), Makhachev won against Renato Moicano via submission in the first round at the main event of UFC 311.
Prior to this, Makhachev stepped into the octagon in June 2024 at UFC 302, defeating Dustin Poirier by submission (D'Arce choke) in the fifth round. His record now stands at 27 wins and one loss.
Moicano last fought in September 2024 at UFC Fight Night 243, winning against Benoit Saint Denis by technical knockout in the second round. He holds a record of 20 wins, six losses, and one draw.
