Makhachev Seeks Volkanovski Fight to Become ‘No. 1 Pound-for-Pound Champion’

Having just claimed the lightweight crown with a scintillating second-round submission of Charles Oliveira in the UFC 280 headliner, Islam Makhachev didn’t take long to set his sights on even bigger goals.

“I have to be No. 1 pound-for-pound champion,” Makhachev said at Saturday’s post-fight press conference. “After that moment we will see. We’re going to think about this. But right now, I have to defend this belt many times.”

Makhachev was in peak form against Oliveira, as he landed takedowns and defended against his opponent’s vaunted submission game in Round 1 before flooring the Brazilian in Round 2 and closing the show with an arm-triangle choke. It was an impressive showing, especially against a champion who entered the bout on an 11-fight winning streak.

“I’ve been saying all week, you have two of the absolute best in the world facing in their prime and facing off. And when I went up in the Octagon after, Khabib [Nurmagomedov] said, ‘I told you. I told you he’s the best in the world,’” UFC president Dana White said.

“I mean, to beat Oliveira is one thing, to beat him the way he beat him is another. And as fast as he did it, he looked incredible tonight. The big question tonight was how is he going to deal with the pressure. And he dealt with it just fine.”

Reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski was in attendance after serving as the backup fighter for the main event. He entered the Octagon and faced off against Makhachev after the fight, presumably setting the stage for a champion vs. champion matchup down the road.

“It looks like Volkanovski is next,” White said. “Volkanovski never ceases to amaze me. Another incredible fight.”

That fight, if it does come to fruition, will help Makhachev achieve his goal of becoming the sport’s pound-for-pound best. And if he has to go to Volkanovski’s home country to do so, then so be it.

“I have new target,” Makhachev said. “I have to be No.1 pound-for-pound champion. That’s why I have to go to Australia and beat this guy. … Volkanovski is tough. He has good skills, good striking, but he’s small for this division, I think. He wants to jump to 155. Let’s do this. This weight class is not his level.”