Islam Makhachev not keen on Arman Tsarukyan trilogy after UFC 311: 'I need some new target'
LOS ANGELES – As far as a possible trilogy with Arman Tsarukyan is concerned, you can count Islam Makhachev out.
Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) will put his lightweight championship on the line in a rematch with Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) on Saturday at UFC 311 (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) from Intuit Dome. A victory would make Makhachev 2-0 against Tsarukyan after winning a unanimous decision in 2019.
While losing the belt could set up a trilogy depending on how the fight unfolds, nothing of the sort is on Makhachev's mind heading into it.
"Third fight, I hope no," Makhachev said Wednesday at UFC 311 media day. "It doesn't make sense, three fights with the same guy. I think new generation will come. We'll have most dangerous division. The old guys – I believe this is one of the hardest weight classes not just in the UFC, but all of the sport. I need some new target."
Makhachev's desire for something new is understandable. Among the current UFC lightweight rankings, Makhachev, who's on a 14-fight winning streak, holds victories over Tsarukyan (No. 1), Charles Oliveira (2), Dustin Poirier (4), and Dan Hooker (6). It's no wonder Makhachev has talked about wanting to move up to challenge for the UFC welterweight title.
Win or lose, the time could be right after UFC 311, but that isn't necessarily at the forefront of the champ's mind.
"I don't want to look past Arman, because Arman is a really tough opponent. I just focus on him, you know?" Makhachev said. "Looking for the rankings, thinking for the next opponent, it's not my job. I'm just still training, still hungry. If we have something, just send me contract. It's my opinion all my life: I never trust opponent, never thinking I'm gonna fight this guy, I'm not gonna fight this guy. Just send me contract, that's it."
More UFC!
Reinier de Ridder has a precise plan to make UFC 311 a beautiful disaster for Kevin Holland
Video: 'UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2' media day live stream
Merab Dvalishvili on Umar Nurmagomedov before UFC 311: 'I want to be good with him again'
Conor McGregor faces new civil lawsuit alleging sexual battery at 2023 NBA Finals game
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev not keen on Arman Tsarukyan trilogy after UFC 311: 'I need some new target'
