Islam Makhachev receives national award from Head of the Republic of Dagestan after UFC 302 victory
Islam Makhachev equaled his longtime friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov's record of three lightweight title defenses at UFC 302. He faced Dustin Poirier in the main event and secured a fifth-round submission win.
Makhachev also surpassed Nurmagomedov's unbeaten streak inside the promotion (13) and extended his own to 14.
Following his mettle-testing victory over Poirier, the Dagestani traveled to his home country, where he met with Sergey Melikov, the Head of the Republic of Dagestan. Melikov awarded the lightweight champion with the Order of Honor of the Republic of Dagestan III Degree.
It was the 32-year-old's second time being bestowed with the prestigious award, and he was proudly joined by his father. During Melikov's speech, he praised the quality of fighters from the region, stating that Dagestan had "conquered the octagon."
He said this:
"Because what Khabib did in his time in the octagon, and now you, it really says we've conquered the octagon. All 8 corners of Dagetan fighters, I want to say again that we are all proud of you and your victories."
The lightweight champion responded with this:
"We know that you worry, watch, we try not let you down. We create all possible reasons to win, thank you for your support. During preparation, Kirill says that you are always asking and worrying. Thank you very much."
Watch Islam Makhachev meet with Sergey Melikov below:
Islam Makhachev responds to Arman Tsarukyan's jibe
Islam Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 to remain the lightweight champion.
Following the clash, he indicated his keenness on moving to welterweight to pursue a second UFC title. While UFC CEO Dana White did not rule out the possibility of Makhachev fighting at 170 pounds, he insisted that the "fight to make" was between the Dagestani and Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan and Makhachev met once before in what has been viewed as one of the champion's toughest fights. Ahead of their potential rematch, the Armenian claimed that if they fought again, he would have more support from Russian fans than Makhachev would get.
The 155-pound king recently responded to those comments during an interview with Red Corner MMA. He said this:
"He just talks a lot. He can't get any attention through his fights, so he's trying to do this by talking. He had his shot, I beat him once. I guess I'll have to do it again."
Watch Islam Makhachev's interview below (1:00):