Charles Oliveira Reveals Timeline for Return, Teases Championship Bout Against Islam Makhachev Despite Loss to Arman Tsarukyan
What’s next for Islam Makhachev
UFC lightweight champion and number one ranked pound-for-pound champion Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight crown for the third time at UFC 302 pay-per-view against former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in the main event.
The fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier was an absolute dogfight. Both fighters showed elite performance, but Poirier can be ranked as the toughest fight for Islam Makhachev in his illustrious UFC career.
In round five, Makhachev found the perfect space, grabbed Diamond's leg, tripped him on the ground with an old-school wrestling maneuver, and quickly turned the move into a choke hold to finish the fight and retain his UFC lightweight throne.
Fight enthusiasts are wondering what is next in line for the Dagestani Beast. Will he finally move up to welterweight to capture the second title, or will he once again defend his championship at 155 pounds?
UFC CEO Dana White revealed at the UFC 302 post-fight presser that he wants Islam Makhachev to continue handling business within the lightweight division and fight the number one lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan, next before considering moving up to the welterweight division to add another championship strap to his shoulder.
According to certain earlier reports, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is expected to headline and defend his title at UFC Saudi Arabia in October this year, followed by a return to headline at UFC Madison Square Garden in November.
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