Islam Makhachev Discusses Potential Bouts vs. Rafael dos Anjos, Justin Gaethje

After a dominant victory against Drew Dober at UFC 259, Islam Makhachev is one of the fastest-rising contenders in the lightweight division.

Makhachev, who has won seven consecutive fights within the Las Vegas-based promotion, has been tabbed by former 155-pound king Khabib Nurmagomedov as a future champion. The 29-year-old Dagestani called for a showdown with Tony Ferguson after UFC 259, but with “El Cucuy” now booked against Beneil Dariush, has turned his attention to other potential opponents.

One of those is Rafael dos Anjos, who Makhachev was supposed to face at UFC 254 in October and at UFC Fight Night 182 in November before the bout fell through. Dos Anjos recently said he would only face Makhachev if a victory granted him a rematch with Nurmagomedov, whose retirement was only officially recognized by the UFC this past week.

“I don’t know why his opinion changed so quickly,” Makhachev said in a video interview (translation via RT Sport). “He won a fight and started acting differently. He was quiet when we had a fight scheduled. He got taken off the card and I asked for a replacement but the UFC said they’d give me a five-round main event then I quietly got on a plane to the U.S. without my team because I wanted that fight. Then I got sick and he had a fight and after that he started talking differently.”

Dos Anjos is coming off a victory over Paul Felder in the UFC Fight Night 182 main event after Makhachev withdrew because of a staph infection. When considering the options, Makhachev believes a rebooking with dos Anjos is the most logical matchup.

“I don’t know what’s going on with the UFC matchmaking but I think that’s what will end up happening,” Makhachev said. “Most of the Top 10 fighters are busy but I’m 90 percent sure they’ll give me a Top 10 guy…

“We know that Felder doesn’t want to fight often. He has other things going on with the UFC and isn’t eager to fight anymore. As far as [Dan] Hooker, I saw that he recently came home. He was quarantined for a long time so I don’t think he’ll want to come back soon. He’ll probably want to rest after getting knocked out, so I think they’ll give me dos Anjos.”

Another possibility is Justin Gaethje, who hasn’t competed since losing in a title bout to Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 this past October. Makhachev would be willing to face the former World Series of Fighting title holder, as well. v “Yes, it’s possible. Justin and I know each other but it’s not like we’re friends,” Makhachev said. “It’s possible. He’s free right now. Why not? I’d love to fight him.”

In the meantime, Makhachev will observe how the rest of the division plays out, including the lightweight championship clash between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler scheduled for UFC 262 in May.

“Honestly, I think Oliveira deserves it. He’s got a good win streak, but I don’t agree with Chandler being in there,” Makhachev said. “He had one UFC fight and he hasn’t been tested. That first fight ended quickly. I think Gaethje or Dustin Poirier could have fought for the title. But the UFC always have their own plans.”