Islam Makhachev Claims UFC 311 Victory Was a Long-Awaited Revenge, Hints at Welterweight Ambitions

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, solidified his dominance in the octagon with a decisive first-round submission of Renato Moicano at UFC 311. While fans celebrated his performance, Makhachev revealed a deeper motivation behind his victory—an eight-year vendetta.

In a post-fight press conference, Makhachev disclosed that his triumph over Moicano was not just a routine title defense but a personal vendetta. He recounted a pivotal moment from 2016 when Moicano triumphed over Makhachev’s teammate, Zubaira Tukhugov, via split decision. Makhachev stated, “I was in Brazil when he fought with my teammate Zubaira Tukhugov… This victory is dedicated to him because, you know, at that time Zubaira lost, but now I have my revenge.” This sentiment added a layer of intensity to what was otherwise a cordial fight build-up.

The backdrop of this rivalry dates back to a memorable UFC event, where Stipe Miocic knocked out Fabricio Werdum to seize heavyweight gold. The stakes and emotions were high, as Makhachev's performance provided closure for himself and his team, transforming his victory into a significant statement.

In the co-main event, Umar Nurmagomedov faced his first defeat against Merab Dvalishvili, leaving Makhachev with yet another concern regarding his team's well-being. He revealed that his coach, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, was visibly upset about Umar's loss but remained focused on Makhachev’s fight, illustrating the strong team dynamics at play.

Post-fight, Makhachev hinted at ambitions beyond the lightweight division. He remarked that he won’t leave mixed martial arts without claiming a second championship title, specifically in the welterweight class. "I don’t know when my move to welterweight is gonna happen, but I need the second belt,” Makhachev expressed passionately. “I can be a three-division champion. Just give me the chance!"

The champion's impressive victory not only recorded his place in the UFC history books with the most lightweight title fight wins but also elevated his professional record to an impressive 27 wins against just one loss. As fans speculate about his future and potential matchups, Makhachev's drive for dual championships makes him a fighter to watch in the coming months. Who will step up to challenge the reigning king next? The anticipation is building!