Islam Makhachev has a new opponent for UFC 294, with the reigning UFC lightweight champion set to face reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a champion-versus-champion rematch in Abu Dhabi.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev may have his sights set on double-champ status after UFC 294, but his head coach admits that he'd love to see his charge settle some unfinished business first.
The top of the fight card for the UFC's return to Abu Dhabi now has two blockbuster fights.
Arman Tsarukyan has been an under-the-radar contender in the UFC lightweight division for some time now. But he said now is the time to break cover and face the champion for a second time, this time on even terms.
Charles Oliveira’s first-round finish of Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 delivered a statement of intent to reigning champ Islam Makhachev, and the Russian’s coach admitted he was impressed with what he saw.
Lightweight contender Beneil Dariush hopes to share the Octagon with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev sooner rather than later, but he admitted he couldn’t help but be frustrated at the Russian’s recent callout of welterweight king Leon Edwards.
Islam Makhachev edged Alexander Volkanovski to retain his UFC lightweight title after a gripping five-round battle at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.
The two championship bouts at the top of the fight card at UFC 284 were officially rubber-stamped after all four of the fighters involved made championship weight in Perth.
Islam Makhachev certainly isn't easing himself into life as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. Rather than contenting himself with a title defense against a top 155-pound contender, the newly-crowned champion has bigger goals in his sights.
The octagon returns to the Big Apple as the iconic Madison Square Garden plays host to UFC 281, with two title fights at the top of a packed fight card in New York City.