How Islam Makhachev feels about Arman Tsarukyan trilogy

LOS ANGELES – So far as a potential trilogy with Arman Tsarukyan is anxious, you may rely Islam Makhachev out.

Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) will put his light-weight championship on the road 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 in opposition to Tsarukyan after profitable a unanimous resolution in 2019.

Whereas shedding the belt may arrange a trilogy relying on how the battle unfolds, nothing of the type is on Makhachev’s thoughts heading into it.

“Third battle, I hope no,” Makhachev stated Wednesday at UFC 311 media day. “It doesn’t make sense, three fights with the identical man. I believe new technology will come. We’ll have most harmful division. The outdated guys – I imagine this is without doubt one of the hardest weight courses not simply within the UFC, however all the sport. I want some new goal.”

Makhachev’s need for one thing new is comprehensible. Among the many present UFC light-weight rankings, Makhachev, who’s on a 14-fight profitable streak, holds victories over Tsarukyan (No. 1), Charles Oliveira (2), Dustin Poirier (4), and Dan Hooker (6). It’s no marvel Makhachev has talked about wanting to maneuver as much as problem for the UFC welterweight title.

Win or lose, the time may very well be proper after UFC 311, however that isn’t essentially on the forefront of the champ’s thoughts.

“I don’t need to look previous Arman, as a result of Arman is a extremely robust opponent. I simply concentrate on him, ?” Makhachev stated. “On the lookout for the rankings, considering for the subsequent opponent, it’s not my job. I’m simply nonetheless coaching, nonetheless hungry. If we have now one thing, simply ship me contract. It’s my opinion all my life: I by no means belief opponent, by no means considering I’m gonna battle this man, I’m not gonna battle this man. Simply ship me contract, that’s it.”