UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has several future opponents in mind before he entertains a potential fight against Max Holloway.
Holloway, a former featherweight champ, is coming off a dramatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. That knocked Gaethje, 35, from the 155-pound title picture and elevated Holloway’s contender status.
Holloway, a 32-year-old from Hawaii, now has a 26-7 MMA record and is 22-7 in the UFC. Meanwhile, Makhachev (25-1, 14-1) is scheduled to defend his title against Dustin Poirier (30-8, 22-7) in the UFC 302 main event on June 1.
Should Makhachev win that fight, he has his sights set on No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan. Holloway will have to bide his time — and beat a few more opponents — before stepping into the octagon against Makhachev.
“If he beats a couple more guys in my division, we can fight,” Makhachev told the New York Post. “I don’t want to give him chance now because I have some contenders who I have to beat.
“Now I have Dustin; after we have Arman. I think I have some job in my division; he has job in his division. Maybe if he wins his next fight. Maybe he beats (featherweight champion Ilia) Topuria, and I finish all my two fights, maybe.”
Makhachev is also interested in moving up to welterweight to challenge Leon Edwards.
“My dream fight, I have to fight in the next division, 170,” Makhachev said. “I have to fight Leon Edwards. I already gave a chance to fighters at 145. That’s why I need my chance at a second belt.”
Holloway become the third BMF champion in history when he knocked Gaethje out at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas earlier this month. Many expect his next fight to be against the undefeated Topuria (15-0, 7-0).
–Field Level Media