How Islam Makhachev feels about the Arman Tsarukyan trilogy

LOS ANGELES – As for a possible trilogy with Arman Tsarukyan, count Islam Makhachev out.

Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) will put his lightweight championship on the line in a rematch with Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) on Saturday at UFC 311 (pay-per-view, ESPNews/ Disney+, ESPN+) from Intuit Dome. A win would make Makhachev 2-0 against Tsarukyan after winning a unanimous decision in 2019.

While losing the belt could set up a trilogy depending on how the fight unfolds, there’s nothing of the sort on Makhachev’s mind heading into it.

“Third fight, I hope no,” Makhachev said Wednesday at UFC 311 media day. “It doesn’t make sense, three fights with the same guy. I think a new generation is coming. We’re going to have the most dangerous division. The old guys – I think this is one of the hardest weight classes, not just in the UFC, but the whole sport. I need a new goal.”

Makhachev’s desire for something new is understandable. Among the current UFC lightweight rankings, Makhachev, who is on a 14-fight winning streak, has wins over Tsarukyan (No. 1), Charles Oliveira (2), Dustin Poirier (4) and Dan Hooker (6). It’s no wonder Makhachev has talked about wanting to move up to challenge for the UFC welterweight title.

Win or lose, the time may be right after UFC 311, but it’s not necessarily on the mind of the champion.

“I don’t want to look past Arman, because Arman is a really tough opponent. I just focus on him, you know?” Makhachev said. “Looking for the rankings, thinking about the next opponent, that’s not my job. I’m just still training, still hungry. If we have something, send me a contract. That’s my opinion my whole life: I never trust the opponent, I never think I’m going to fight this guy, I don’t want to fight this guy. Just send me contract, that’s it.