Islam Makhachev is entering into one of the most important fights of his career. The UFC lightweight champion is aspiring to become the pound-for-pound number 1 in the UFC. His aspiration can come true at UFC 284 when he meets the current pound-for-pound number 1 Alexander Volkanovski. Furthermore, he spoke to a former pound-for-pound number 1 champion ahead of UFC 284.

Islam Makhachev was seen with good friend and former teammate Daniel Cormier. The former P4P king and double champ asked the Dagestani some questions regarding his fight against ‘The Great’. The pair discussed how people criticize Makhachev‘s decision even though he picked a tough opponent.

Islam Makhachev shares his thoughts on the prospect of being P4P #1

In a conversation with DC, the UFC lightweight champion opened up about his desire to be P4P King. The Dagestani is looking to be at the pinnacle of the UFC by beating the featherweight champ. Speaking on the topic, Makhachev said, “People are gonna say always something. But people are gonna say after the fight not just champion pound for pound king and champion…”

Since Makhachev and Cormier are good friends and trained with each other at the American Kickboxing Academy with Khabib Nurmagomedov, the interview was candid in nature. Furthermore, the UFC lightweight revealed how Daniel Cormier was behaving when he became the P4P #1. Also, Makhachev claimed that he will not be as arrogant as the former double champion.

Islam Makhachev added while speaking with ‘DC’, “Like I’m not gonna change like you. I remember you pound for pound (#1) You were always like talk to nobody. Jaws upwards”. Seeing Islam Makhachev being relaxed before his all-important fight is a joy to watch. However, some of Daniel Cormier‘s mentality might have rubbed on the lightweight champ during the former’s reign as pound-for-pound king.

Daniel Cormier had a relentless mentality

The former UFC double champion truly had a champions mentality till his run as the P4P king of the UFC. As reported by Bleacher Report, Cormier always seemed a bigger challenge. He said, in the interview, “I think that’s why I’ve accomplished the things I’ve accomplished. From day one, I knew how I wanted to be remembered. A guy that worked hard. A guy who did everything the right way.”

Read More: “We Don’t Want Peace”: Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski’s Pre-Fight Chat Draws Mixed Reactions

Furthermore, the UFC commentator also stated that get faced top contenders right from the beginning of his MMA career. Some of these attributes rubbed off on Islam Makhachev too.

The UFC lightweight champion is facing his own biggest challenge in the form of Alexander Volkanovski. It remains to be seen how he fairs against the UFC featherweight champion come UFC 284.

What do you think about Daniel Cormier’s mentality and Islam Makhachev’s comments? Let us know in the comments.

Watch this story: Alexander Volkanovski’s Coach Reveals a ‘Depressing’ Incident That Almost Led to the Retirement of “The Great”