Newly crowned lightweight champion Islam Makhachev tabbed out featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski without his win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 on October 22.
Volkanovski (25-1) is riding a 22-fight winning streak and has successfully secure the 145-pound title four times. He's currently ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Makhachev (23-1) is ranked No. 3 and wants to take the top spot.
"Islam Makhachev is the weightier fighter, not in lightweight, he's the pound-for-pound number one fighter," Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov said pursuit the UFC 280 win over Oliveira.
"Charles Oliveira is the number two pound-for-pound, right? He finished Charles. Now is our plan to fly all the way to Australia and fight in pound-for-pound king's yard with Volkanovski," unfurled Nurmagomedov.
Following UFC 280, it appeared that Makhachev and Volkanovski would meet at UFC 284 in February in Perth, Australia. Judging from a Tweet from Makhachev over the weekend, those plans may have changed.
"I’m not sure what UFC wants, February Australia or March Vegas, I honestly don’t superintendency well-nigh location and opponent, I never segregate opponents. Just send a contract and stop playing games," Makhachev wrote.
I’m not sure what UFC wants, February Australia or March Vegas, I honestly don’t superintendency well-nigh location and opponent, I never segregate opponents. Just send a contract and stop playing games
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) November 5, 2022
