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Islam Makhachev Opens up on a Potential Rematch With Arman Tsarukyan – “It Does Not Make Sense”

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Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has made his preferences clear following his submission win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. While UFC CEO Dana White called a matchup against Arman Tsarukyan the fight to make for Makhachev, the champion has his sights set on a different path: the welterweight division.

Pursuing Double Championship Glory

Islam Makhachev expressed his desire to become a double champion, a feat achieved by only a select few in UFC history. Speaking at a post-fight news conference, he stated, “Who doesn’t want to be a double champion? This is history. How many double champions do we have? This is a dream for all fighters, to get a second belt.”

The lightweight titleholder emphasized his ambition to leave a lasting legacy. “This is my dream. I want to be in the history books, known as a double champ. If I have a chance, even a small one, I’ll go for it. To achieve greatness, you need that second belt,” Makhachev asserted.

Islam Makhachev Opens Up on A Rematch with Tsarukyan?

Despite Dana White’s interest in a rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, the prospect doesn’t excite the champion. Makhachev previously defeated Tsarukyan by unanimous decision in April 2019 during Tsarukyan’s promotional debut. The idea of revisiting a fight against someone he has already beaten holds little appeal for Makhachev.

“I’m ready, man,” Makhachev said. “Dana has my number. Just call me and put forth a new challenge. … It does not make sense when you have a rematch. I need some new challenges. But if Dana wants it, let’s do it. No problem.”

Makhachev’s immediate road map includes a lightweight title defense against Dustin Poirier. However, his ultimate goal remains a move up to welterweight and the pursuit of a second championship belt. Whether he achieves this historic feat will depend on the UFC’s next moves and the challenges they present.

Read More- Dana White Talks About Dustin Poirier’s Possible Retirement After UFC 302 Loss

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Islam Makhachev Opens up on a Potential Rematch With Arman Tsarukyan - "It Does Not Make Sense" - Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev Opens up on a Potential Rematch With Arman Tsarukyan - "It Does Not Make Sense" - Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev Opens up on a Potential Rematch With Arman Tsarukyan - "It Does Not Make Sense" - Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev Opens up on a Potential Rematch With Arman Tsarukyan - "It Does Not Make Sense" - Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev Opens up on a Potential Rematch With Arman Tsarukyan - "It Does Not Make Sense" - Islam Makhachev

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