Islam Makhachev has no intention of calling out Conor McGregor if he wins the UFC lightweight title this weekend.
The Russian star will take to the octagon on Saturday night in his maiden title challenge against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. He has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top of the division since signing with the promotion, in which he has been fighting under the guidance of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
With McGregor having shared a bitter long-term rivalry with the former UFC champion, Makhachev has naturally been thrust into the limelight as the natural successor to continue the feud with the Irishman. However the 31-year-old wants to fight a higher-ranked contender and has named Beneil Dariush as a potential candidate.