LAS VEGAS – Islam Makhachev seems to be done welcoming challengers from 145 pounds.
Makhachev, UFC lightweight champion, has defended his title twice against Alexander Volkanovski, who was then champion of the featherweight division. Still reigning and 2-0 against featherweight challengers, Makhachev says he’s done with those types of matchups, which means bad news for Ilia Topuria.
“No, man. I’m tired of giving chance to small guys,” Makhachev said at Friday’s UFC 311 press conference in Las Vegas. “I need my second belt. It’s nothing exciting. He’s a good fighter. He’s a good skills fighter, but I don’t want to give him a chance. I need second belt. That fight for what? For me, is nothing. It’s just his name, and I don’t need his name. I need the belt.”
