Islam Makhachev 'not leaving' without second belt as he eyes Belal Muhammad fight, claims he's pound-for-pound No. 1
ByTNT UK
Updated 17/01/2025 at 15:43 GMT
Islam Makhachev insists he won't be leaving the UFC without a second belt, and is targeting a meeting with Belal Muhammad. Makhachev has also dismissed Dana White's claim that Jon Jones is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The Russian lightweight star will be taking on Arman Tsarukyan in an eagerly-awaited rematch this weekend, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Makhachev: Real fans know who is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter
Video credit: TNT Sports
Islam Makhachev has claimed he won't be leaving the UFC without a second belt, and is targeting a meeting with Belal Muhammad.
Lightweight king Makhachev will be taking on Arman Tsarukyan in an eagerly-awaited rematch on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The 33-year-old is also looking beyond that, and to a potential clash with welterweight Muhammad.
"It's not my job, it's my goal," Makhachev said. "I'm not going to leave this sport without a second belt.
"[Belal] is my friend, we were training last week together. We will talk, anything can change very quick. I am not planning to retire, I have time."
Makhachev also has a message for Dana White, insisting that he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
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Makhachev talks potential Muhammad fight and wanting 'second UFC belt'
Video credit: TNT Sports
White said late last year that it was "nuts" for anyone to say Makhachev was the best.
"I think [Makhachev is] one of the greatest of all time," White said. "I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.
"For anyone to call Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still fighting is nuts and shouldn’t be ranking in the pound-for-pound, or doing any of the rankings ever if that’s what you really think."
But Makhachev, as you might imagine, doesn't see it that way: "[There's] just one guy in this world who wants to put Jon Jones at the top.
"I don't agree with him. People know, MMA friends know, who is the No.1 best fighter in the world."
Makhachev and Tsarukyan will do battle again on Saturday night. The first fight between the pair in 2019 was a Fight of the Night winner, which Makhachev won via a unanimous decision.
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