The UFC’s lightweight division remains one of the most entertaining and chaotic. Recently, fans witnessed Islam Makhachev secure a first-round submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. With this win, Makhachev has nearly cleared out the division’s top contenders. Now, his options are narrowing to either a rematch with Charles Oliveira or a clash with his old rival, Arman Tsarukyan. Interestingly, Oliveira has also expressed interest in facing Makhachev again.
Charles Oliveira could be a strong candidate for the next lightweight title shot, but uncertainty looms over whether Islam Makhachev will continue competing in the division as he sets his sights on becoming a double champion. Meanwhile, Oliveira’s manager has revealed that the Brazilian is eyeing a summer fight, either against Makhachev or Max Holloway for the ‘BMF’ belt. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Oliveira’s coach stated:
“If Makhachev only fights in October, I don’t want to stay out for a year. I would like to be fighting [in the summer] against [Max] Holloway for the ‘BMF’ belt.”
Charles Oliveira's manager says his fighter wants Islam Makhachev or Max Holloway next:
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 26, 2025
"If Makhachev only fights in October, I don’t want to stay out for a year. I would like to be fighting [in the summer] against [Max] Holloway for the ‘BMF’ belt."
(🎥 @guicruzzz ) pic.twitter.com/t8EiCWmmmz
Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are no strangers, having shared the octagon once before. Similarly, Oliveira has also faced Islam Makhachev in the past. However, the question of who will be Oliveira’s next opponent is what fans are eagerly waiting to find out.
Team Khabib Coach Believes Islam Makhachev Can Capture Titles in Three Divisions
Makhachev is at the peak of his career, with fans urging him to move up a division after successfully defending his lightweight title four times. At UFC 311, Makhachev dominated Renato Moicano with a first-round victory, surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record for the most lightweight title defenses.
His coach, Javier Mendez, believes Makhachev has the potential to become a three-division champion. In an interview with Submission Radio, Mendez revealed that Makhachev is eyeing a welterweight title fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov.
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In an interview with Submission Radio, Mendez stated: “If Belal moves up in weight afterwards, then we’ll go after the 170, I would definitely like that. I can see Islam potentially going for three titles, he’s capable of it but 185 would be a lot tougher.”
🏆 Islam Makhachev is more than capable of becoming a three-division champion soon, and is interested in fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov for the welterweight title, according to head coach, Javier Mendez:
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 21, 2025
“If Belal moves up in weight afterwards, then we’ll go after the 170, I would… pic.twitter.com/Msnk5q7gnl
Makhachev’s aspirations for double-division championships could mean he might leave the lightweight division. If that happens, Oliveira and other title challengers may have to wait even longer for their shot at the belt.
Also Read: Renato Moicano Says Islam Makhachev Fight Showed Him His True Popularity
