‘Back to the drawing board’ for one contender as UFC epic between two of Volk’s biggest rivals looms

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev once again showed why he is the pound-for-pound king in the UFC after dismantling Brazilian No.10 lightweight contender Renato Moicano with ease.

UFC 312: Du Plessis v Strickland 2 | SUN 9 FEB | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.

Makhachev was originally scheduled to fight No.1 contender Arman Tsarukyan in a highly-anticipated rematch between the lightweight division’s most dominant and feared grapplers. However, Tsarukyan pulled out due to a back injury just 24 hours prior to UFC 311. Makhachev accepted the bout change immediately and with confidence, stating at the ceremonial weigh-ins: “It doesn’t matter. I smash my opponents; that’s it. Doesn’t matter who is in front of me”.

Makhachev has now made history after successfully defending his UFC lightweight strap for the fourth time. No other lightweight has defended their belt more than three times, including Makhachev’s cousin and current coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.

While Khabib was dominant as a champion, having never shed blood in the octagon, it was difficult to visualise a future where Islam would not only become a champion in the shark tank that is the lightweight division but become a more dominant, successful, and well-rounded champion than his cousin.

This can be seen in Islam having the highest significant strike accuracy in the lightweight division at 60.3 per cent despite coming from a grappling background.

Makhachev now only sits one win away from equalling Anderson Silva’s sixteen-fight win streak record, which if the Russian champion was to equal, would immortalise him in the sport and see him become an all-time great.

With Makhachev being so dominant, it begs the question — what is next for the best fighter on the planet?

Well, it looks like it won’t be Tsarukyan with UFC president Dana White telling reporters on Sunday that he missed his opportunity and would have to go “back to the drawing board”.

Makhachev has said on numerous occasions that moving up to welterweight and challenging for a second belt was something he had envisioned since he became a champion.

After running the gauntlet at lightweight and defeating three of the current top five contenders (two by submission), Makhachev has made it clear that the welterweight division has something that excites him, telling Daniel Cormier: “I’m tired to give somebody rematch, you know? I need the second belt, Belal (Muhammad) there. We will see.”

And what does White think of Makhachev moving up?

“Absolutely,” White said after being asked if he would give Makhachev the welterweight shot should he win at UFC 311.

So, is it time for Makhachev to make the move to welterweight in search of matchups that don’t seem so lopsided?

Makhachev’s training partner and another one of the UFC’s toughest grapplers, Belal Muhammad, sits on top of the welterweight throne, though many believe Makhachev has what it takes to defeat the welterweight king and become a double champ.

Makhachev also has another featherweight champion calling his name. Ilia Topuria has taken to X to relay his thoughts on Makhachev’s win, writing: “Islam, if I want to, I can finish you. If I want to, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy.”

Makhachev is no stranger to fighting featherweight champions moving up after having defeated Aussie Alexander Volkanovski in back-to-back title fights.

Makhachev doesn’t mind the idea, saying: “If people want, if Dana wants, why not? I can do this, easy”.

If one thing is clear, it’s that Makhachev is seeking out the toughest fights and is not scared of anyone in the UFC, whether that be a featherweight, lightweight, or welterweight.