Islam Makhachev asks the UFC to "just send a contract" for his next title defense
Islam Makhachev solidified himself as one of the best fighters on the UFC roster when he dominated Charles Oliveira last time out. The lightweight champion has been forced to urge the promotion to "send a contract" for his first title defense.
Headlining a huge card like UFC 280 in a title fight debut would be daunting for most, but the Dagestani showed just how good he is with a sensational performance. Following the win, the prodigy has a list of options on who will be next in line, with Alexander Volkanovski seeming the most likely.
Posting his thoughts on social media, Islam Makhachev demanded that the UFC "stop playing games" and send him a contract, regardless of the location or opponent.
"I’m not sure what [the] UFC wants, February Australia or March Vegas, I honestly don’t care about [the] location and opponent, I never choose opponents. Just send a contract and stop playing games"
I’m not sure what UFC wants, February Australia or March Vegas, I honestly don’t care about location and opponent, I never choose opponents. Just send a contract and stop playing games
Despite being a sambo specialist, the European looked phenomenal on the feet and got the better of the always dangerous Oliveira with his striking. He even managed to score a knockdown in the bout.
After his display against 'Do Bronx', Makhachev is expected by most to become a dominant force in the division. This is similar to his lifelong friend and training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov, when he competed inside the octagon.
At just 31 years of age, the American Kickboxing Academy representative could well have many years ahead of him. It will be a tough ask for anybody to take his newly acquired throne away from him.
Who is Islam Makhachev going to defend his lightweight title against?
While there is no official word on who's next for Islam Makhachev, there are multiple fighters who can realistically be called upon to take a shot at the lightweight strap.
The most likely opponent for the 155lb champion is the aforementioned Alexander Volkanovski. The two shared the octagon following UFC 280 and looked to agree on a fight, with the location reportedly being the featherweight king's home country of Australia.
Another viable choice of challenger is the seemingly unstoppable Beneil Dariush, who has been skyrocketing himself up the rankings and finds himself in the #4 spot.
Lastly, while arguably the most unlikely of choices, Makhachev could potentially wait to see who gets his hand raised in the Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler matchup taking place on November 12.