The highly anticipated clash between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 on October 21 promises to be a headline-grabbing showdown. Oliveira, eager to redeem himself after his previous loss to Makhachev, seeks to reclaim his former glory, while Makhachev aims to settle the rivalry definitively.

However, Makhachev, currently ranked as the world’s no.2 pound-for-pound fighter, harbors aspirations that extend beyond the lightweight division. In a recent video shared on his YouTube channel, former UFC heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, discussed why Makhachev’s ambition might affect other welterweight contenders’ chances at championship glory.

Daniel Cormier thinks Islam Makhachev might throw a wrench in the welterweight division’s landscape

Makhachev’s victory against Alexander Volkanovski’s quest for dual titles underscores his commitment to the lightweight division. Nevertheless, he has expressed a desire to conquer a higher weight class.

Cormier delved into this aspiration, stating, “But then he (Islam) says he wants to maybe test himself against the winner of Covington vs. Edwards. One thing right away, if I’m Belal Muhammed, and the rest of these guys at 170 this is a nightmare to hear.”

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He continued, “I don’t want to hear a guy that’s the champion at the weight below talking about going up and competing for that championship when I’ve been on this unbelievably long win streak.”

Makhachev’s comments echo his ESPN interview where he shared that he dreams of a second championship belt, but he’s open to whatever the UFC decides. He’s confident in his skills and believes he can defeat the winner of the Edwards vs. Covington fight, though he anticipates a challenging battle against a larger opponent.

Moreover, Makhachev emphasized his willingness to give reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski a chance at his title. “I gave a chance to that guy, so they have to give me a chance, too,” he asserted.

Read More: “Him and Khabib, for Years…”- Colby Covington Exposes Nurmagomedov and Protégé Islam Makhachev While Gaslighting the Dagestani for P4P Glory

While Leon Edwards largely remained silent regarding Makhachev’s interest in a champion vs. champion bout, Colby Covington, on the other hand, disparaged Makhachev’s skills in an interview. Makhachev expressed his hope for a Covington victory and a subsequent matchup. He relished the idea of a contest that pits U.S. wrestling against Dagestani wrestling. Emphasizing his confidence in countering Covington and landing solid punches.

Makhachev isn’t overlooking Charles Oliveira’s threat

Despite his future aspirations, Makhachev remains firmly grounded in the present. Understanding the importance of his upcoming bout with Charles Oliveira. Oliveira’s knockout victory over Beneil Dariush in June earned him a title rematch. However, Oliveira has admitted to having an off night in his previous encounter with Makhachev, even refusing to watch the replay. Notably, Makhachev submitted Oliveira a year ago at UFC 280.

Makhachev believes this reluctance stems from the memories of that fight. “That fight reminds him of the time he gave up,” Makhachev stated in the previously mentioned ESPN interview. He stated he is confident that by sticking to his strategy, he can defeat Oliveira once more, and he strongly believes in his ability to do so.

Their history, including Makhachev’s submission victory and Oliveira’s recent resurgence, paints an intriguing narrative that fight fans eagerly anticipate. As Makhachev’s journey in the UFC unfolds, the MMA world watches with keen interest. Eagerly awaiting the outcome of his quest for a second championship belt and the challenges that lie ahead.

Do you think Islam Makhachev can become a two-weight champion in the UFC? Let us know in the comments below!

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