UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is all set to defend his title against Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi. The Dagestani fighter is coming off a close win over featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and riding a 12-fight winning streak. Although Makhachev has managed to dominate almost every one of his opponents, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan believes Islam is more vulnerable now.
When it comes to grappling and wrestling inside the octagon the Dagestani’s skills are second to none. Yet, during his bout with the featherweight champion, Makhachev struggled to control the Australian on the ground. Instead, Alex managed to finish the last round on top as he battered the 31-year-old.
Although Islam managed to secure the win, podcast host Joe Rogan disagrees with the decision. During the recent episode of his podcast, the 56-year-old talked about the fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski with Sean O’Malley and Tim Welch. According to Rogan, Alex Volkanovski was the winner of the fight and he even managed to expose the holes in Islam’s game.
Joe Rogan praises Alexander Volkanovski as the #UFC #1 P4P fighter and says he won against Islam Makhachev. pic.twitter.com/Gi13CVTgfu
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) October 2, 2023
“You see vulnerability in Islam after that fight with Volkanovski. He’s number one pound-for-pound. They have him not listed as pound-for-pound because he lost that fight, I think you could make a real argument that he won that fight. I think he won the fight, in my mind he won the fight,” said Rogan.
After Alexander Volkanovski’s performance, it will be interesting to see if Oliveira finds success with Islam. Regardless, the Dagestani has set his sights higher and plans to one-up Khabib by aiming for the welterweight title.
Islam Makhachev plans to fight for welterweight title after dealing with Charles Oliveira
Famously hailed as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Islam Makhachev is looking forward to surpassing ‘The Eagle’. Makhachev is scheduled to defend his lightweight title in a rematch against former champion Charles Oliveira. However, unlike Khabib Islam does not plan on staying in one division.
The Dagestani has expanded his horizons and plans to fight for the welterweight title after handling his business with ‘Do Bronx’. Makhachev believes just like he granted Volkanovski the opportunity to become a double-weight champion, he should be granted the chance as well.
“I don’t know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt. Edwards vs. Colby I really believe I can beat this guy. It’s gonna be a good fight I’m not saying I’m going to beat them easy but I believe I can finish those guys. I gave a chance to, so they have to give me a chance, too,” said Makhachev.
While the 24-1 fighter believes he can defeat both fighters he has a preference. Islam is more interested in fighting Covington if he becomes the champion at UFC 296. Makhachev believes it will be U.S. vs. Dagestan wrestling and the better fighter will take the belt.
Regardless, Islam will first have to defeat Charles Oliveira for the second time before he is granted the chance to move up a division. Do you think Islam Makhachev will become a double champion in UFC? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.