Islam Makhachev names two fighters he would prefer to avoid after UFC 311

As the No. 1 pound-for-pound UFC star, you’d think Islam Makhachev is an anyone, anywhere type of fighter, but there are some instances where he’ll avoid fighting an opponent.

As we fast approach Makhachev’s fourth lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, fans chirp about a potential double-championship opportunity for Makhachev if he wins. Ilia Topuria wants Makhachev – and Makhachev’s coach believes he can fight up to middleweight.

With that said, there is one double-championship fight that Makhachev would prefer to avoid.

Islam Makhachev of Russia prepares to face Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 294 event at...
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Islam Makhachev would avoid fighting Belal Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov

The most obvious move for Makhachev would be to step up one weight class to welterweight, where he could take on the winner of Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, speaking to collective reporters at the UFC 311 media day, Makhachev said, “These are not the fights I would like.”

“I know both guys,” Makhachev said. “These are not the fights I would like, for sure – both Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Both are world-class fighters with all the skills. They’re going to have a good fight coming up, that I’m interested to see.”

Rakhmonov secured his spot as the next title challenger by defeating Ian Garry at UFC 310. He was initially slated to face Muhammad in the main event of UFC 310 before ‘Remember The Name’ withdrew with a gnarly foot infection.

The most likely double-champ fight for Islam Makhachev

As for other options, Makhachev has featherweight, middleweight, and, at a stretch, light heavyweight. However, featherweight is probably off the table since he has already defended his belt twice against featherweight GOAT Alexander Volkanovski, and most of the critique surrounding Makhachev’s title reign consists of his defenses against non-lightweights.

Makhachev has said he isn’t interested in Topuria. So, if Muhammad or Rakhmonov aren’t in the title picture in late 2025, we could see a welterweight move. Otherwise, a middleweight matchup with champion Dricus Du Plessis – or Sean Strickland, who challenges for the belt at UFC 312 – seems quite favorable for the Dagestani grappler.

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