Islam Makhachev hatches plan for UFC history but makes Alex Pereira admission as he takes shot at Daniel Cormier
Islam Makhachev has his sights sight on becoming the first three-weight world champion in UFC history.
The Russian MMA star broke the record for the most lightweight title defences in UFC history on Saturday night by submitting Renato Moicano inside the opening round at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
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Before the fight, Makhachev was joined at three defences, alongside his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson and BJ Penn.
But his comfortable win over Moicano put him clear of the pack with four.
Now, he wants to move up through the weights and challenge welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and middleweight king Dricus du Plessis for their belts.
"I can be three-division [champion] also," said Makhachev at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference.
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"Just give me the chance, that is it. I will fight with Du Plessis.
"Give me the chance, I will fight with him also. I swear if Dana White sends me the contract I will fight him also.";
Makhachev did, however, stop short of calling out light heavyweight title holder Alex Pereira.
The 33-year-old admitted challenging in a fourth weight class would be 'too much' before taking a playful swipe at his old pal Daniel Cormier.
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"I need the DC [Daniel Cormier] diet programme to be 200lbs," he quipped.
Makhachev might not back himself at 205lbs but his manager Ali Abdelaziz certainly does.
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"I don't think any man from 155lbs to 185lbs can beat Islam Makhachev," he recently told .
"I don't think they exist. I believe at 155lbs, 170lbs and 185lbs, Islam can beat anybody on any given day.
"This is what I believe because of what he has shown me and his development.
"I think Islam would beat Alex Pereira at 205lbs. I do, I swear on everything.
"He is just going to take him down and submit him. I think Alex Pereira can knock out anyone on the planet if he touches you but I think Islam Makhachev is this good.
"Skill for skill he is the most complete fighter we have ever seen, it is not Demetrious Johnson."
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