I can become a three-division UFC champion – Makhachev

Islam Makhachev aimed to become three-weight champion before retiring after retaining his lightweight title by beating Renato Moicano Saturday at UFC 311.

The 33-year-old has been unstoppable in the division, becoming the first man to successfully defend the belt four times in a row.

Makhachev has previously talked about a move to featherweight, where Ilia Topuria is currently the champion,

“I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I’m not leaving this sport without another belt,” Makhachev said after his win.

“Right now my goal is to be a double champion. I don’t know if it’s the next fight or when. I still want to fight, still win. I want to defend my belt.

“When they give me the chance, I’ll be a double champion.”

If he achieves that goal, Makhachev would look for success in a third weight division.

Undefeated Topuria was quick to throw his name in the hat to fight Makhachev next.

“Islam, if I want, I can finish you,” Topuria said. “If I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy.”

UFC president Dana White said after the fight in Inglewood, Calif., that he considers Makhachev the UFC’s pound-for-pound best fighter, suggesting the Russian could be the best lightweight ever.

Makhachev broke a title defense record shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov, BJ Penn and Benson Henderson with his victory over Moicano, retaining the belt for the fourth time.

Makhachev, who has won 15 fights in a row, confidently claimed that he has what it takes to become a three-weight champion.

South African Dricus du Plessis defends his middleweight belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February and Makhachev said he would be willing to move up from 155lbs to 185lbs.

“I can be three division too. Just give me the chance,” he said.

“I want to fight Du Plessis. If Dana White sends the contract, I want to fight.”

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