Islam Makhachev names two ‘world class’ fighters he does NOT want to face after UFC 311

Islam Makhachev says he would rather avoid fighting Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov after UFC 311.

Makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion and will defend his 155lb strap for the fourth time this weekend.

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The 33-year-old takes on Arman Tsarukyan in the headliner at UFC 311, which also features Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against Umar Nuramgomedov.

Makhachev has previously claimed that it is his ‘dream’ to become a two-division champion.

However, there are two men currently sitting atop the UFC’s welterweight division that he wants to avoid.

“Well, I know both guys,” Makhachev said at the meeting UFC 311 media day on Wednesday.

“These are definitely not the matches I want – both Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

“Both are world-class fighters with all the skills. They’re going to have a good fight that I’m interested in seeing.”

Muhammad is the current champion in the 170lb division of Dana White’s promotion.

He defeated Birmingham’s Leon Edwards at UFC Manchester in July to win gold for the first time in MMA’s biggest league.

However, a grotesque bone infection meant he was forced to pull out of his first title defense at UFC 310 in December.

Muhammad was originally scheduled to face Kazakh star Shavkat Rakhmonov in the main event, but the latter ended up fighting Ian Machado Garry in an unofficial No. 1 fight for the UFC welterweight title.

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After almost being submitted in the final round by Garry, Rakhmonov went the distance for the first time in his career to outpoint his Irish counterpart and secure a title shot with Muhammad in his next bout.

All three judges scored the contest 48-47 in favor of Rakhmonov, who is undefeated in 19 professional bouts MMA matches.

Makhachev added that he does not want to pursue a trilogy fight with Tsarukyan should he get past him at UFC 311.

The pair have already locked horns in the UFC, with Makhachev winning in April 2019 against Tsarukyan, who was making his UFC debut and taking the fight on very short notice.

“Third game, I hope not,” said Makhachev.

“It doesn’t make sense, three games with the same guy. I think a new generation is coming.

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“We’re getting the most dangerous division. The old guys – I think it’s one of the toughest weight classes, not just in the UFC, but the whole sport. I need a new target.”

Makhachev has wins over some of the highest ranked UFC lightweights, including Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker.

So it’s no wonder the Dagestan native has talked about moving up to the welterweight division for another challenge.

But for now, his only focus is on Tsarukyan this weekend at UFC 311.

“I don’t want to look past Arman, because Arman is a really tough opponent. I just focus on him, you know?” Makhachev added.

“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 any 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.”

Elsewhere at UFC 311, Jiri Prochazka meets Jamahal Hill in a light-heavyweight bout, with the winner facing off against champion Alex Pereira once again.

Meanwhile, Beneil Dariush challenges Renato Moicano in a lightweight bout on the main card and Kevin Holland takes on Reinier de Ridder in the middleweight division.