ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev thinks there’s no clear No. 1 contender in his division.
The UFC lightweight champion says it comes down to two names when thinking of his next challenger if he gets past Alexander Volkanosvki on Saturday in the main event of UFC 294. These names are Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.
Oliveira was Makhachev’s original opponent for UFC 294, but had to withdraw due to injury, and Gaethje recently won the BMF title by knocking out Dustin Poirier in July. Both fighters are clear standouts in the title picture at 155 pounds, and that’s why Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) would like to see them fight each other.
“I’m pretty sure that after this fight, there’s already two definite opponents that are ready for a fight with me,” Makhachev said at Wednesday’s UFC 294 media day. “I think the two of them should fight each other so we have an actual No. 1 contender for the belt.”
Oliveira and Gaethje already fought each other in May 2022 at UFC 274. That night in Phoenix, Oliveira defeated Gaethje by first-round submission. The bout was supposed to be Oliveira’s second title defense, but he missed weight and was stripped of the belt before the fight.
For now, Makhachev will have to focus on Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) as there’s no potential future title defenses with Oliveira or Gaethje if he doesn’t take care of business on Saturday.
Despite having many lightweight contenders wanting to fight him, Makhachev is happy the UFC worked things out with Volkanovski.
“Honestly, after the first fight, many people talking about the fight and many people wanting to watch this rematch,” Makhachev said. “I’m really happy because right now they can give me anyone, but I’m really happy because they give me Volkanovski because last time I fought in his arena, his area. Now it’s Abu Dhabi and everything on my side.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
