Following Islam Makhachev’s quick TKO victory over Bobby Green last night the rising star called for a lightweight title shot and it seems that Dana White might be on-board with the idea.
“I just want a title fight,” Makhachev said after the ground-and-pound finish. “I’m tired about all these things. I need a title fight. I am ready, I am here. Just tell me when and where, that’s it.”
The current No.4 ranked contender is certainly justified in making that demand as he’s now extended his winning streak in the UFC to a highly impressive 10-fights.
It’s all very reminiscent of another lightweight great Khabib Nurmagomedov, who also had to amass an enormous winning run before being granted a shot at the belt.
Nurmagomedov was in Makhachev’s corner for last night’s fight, and as a long-time training partner for him he has previously spoken confidently about his belief that his fellow Dagestani native will one day be crowned champion.
That prediction appeared to move one step closer to reality last night after Nurmagomedov received a call from White in which he appeared to give the greenlight for Makhachev to fight for the title.
“[Dana White] just called [Khabib Nurmagomedov] and say [Islam Makhachev’s] gonna fight for the title next,” Makhachev told Megan Olivi backstage after the fight, and when asked for when the title shot may happen he replied, “Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi, I’m gonna come home soon.”
Makhachev will still have to wait his turn though as current champion Charles Oliveira is expected to fight Justin Gaethje next at UFC 274 on May 7th.
