Fighter Islam Makhachev returns with a shield to the country he deeply loved, Chechnya.
Last Saturday, Makhachev won the UFC Lightweight Championship when Charles Oliveira introduced in the main event of UFC 280. Back home this week, Makhachev received a huge welcome from his countrymen, who greeted him in droves to show their support (video from Red Corner MMA) upon his arrival in Makhach fort.
Islam Makhachev is the second-ever Chechen champion in the UFC mixed martial arts organization, after childhood colleague and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, who won the lightweight title in 2018 but vacated the belt two years later after the death of his father – and Makhachev’s former coach – Abdul Manab Nurmagomedov. After retiring from the sport, Khabib lobbied hard for Makhachev to have his own chance to fight for the title, and was even the one to wrap the belt around his friend’s waist when he finally won the title.
After the historic win, Makhachev laid the foundation for his first title defense, a superhero fight against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovsky at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia in February, by entering Volkanovsky in the cage at UFC 280 for a showdown. Although the UFC has not officially signed that fight, all indications are that it is the next match of the new champion, and speaking with the media after his arrival in Dagestan, Makhachev confirmed his desire for that fight. “For me personally and for fans of mixed martial arts, Volkanovsky looks more interesting as a challenge, because there will be two belts on the line,” said Makhachev.
“It’s always big when two champions face each other. I think it’s always exciting for the fans. But I don’t underestimate [Benil] Driouch’s accomplishments. He has a great winning streak, he beat some strong opposition. He deserves the title shot too.
But I didn’t pick opponents. Never. I will fight whoever gives me the UFC.” Makhachev went on to say he would take a week off to spend time with his family in Dagestan, before returning to the United States to support Osman Nurmagomedov as he prepares for the Bellator lightweight title against Patrick Pitbull in November.. He also fell against the winner of the UFC 281 match between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler to get the next shot.
“I don’t think either of them will get an immediate title,” said Makhachev. “How many times has Poirier fought for the belt? Chandler only fought four times in the organization, and lost two of them, so I don’t think Chandler deserves a shot at the title even if he wins.”
