Who Should Islam Makhachev Fight Before He Retires?

Naturally, there have been calls for him to face Jack Della Maddalena, who is the current welterweight champion. A win allows Islam to become a two-weight world champion, joining the likes of Jon Jones and Conor McGregor as some of the big names to have achieved this. 

Alternatively, there is the Topuria fight. Ilia solidified his position as one of the best fighters out there when he stopped Charles Oliveira to become a two-weight world champion. Topuria had moved up to lightweight to target Islam, only for the latter to move up. Topuria has said that he promised the UFC he would not move up to welterweight immediately after winning his lightweight title, meaning the fight could happen later down the line. 

If Makhachev comes back to lightweight, there is the chance to secure a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan. Their first fight was every close, as Islam won a decision. Since then, Tsarukyan has significantly improved, becoming the number-one ranked lightweight contender. They were on course to face each other at UFC 311, only for Arman to pull out with an injury, leaving the door open to settle that rivalry. Either way, Islam has said that he still has more to come after his coach, Javier Mendez, suggested Islam may have three more fights left.  

“Javier has his opinion, Ali has his opinion – I have my opinion. We’re just beginning. This is a new book. We’re just beginning. We will see when I’m going to fight. Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi, because still we don’t have the day. If not Madison Square Garden, I want to fight in Abu Dhabi. I don’t want to wait,” Makhachev said