Standing in Makhachev’s way of winning a second UFC title is welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, who has trained with Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team on numerous occasions. So how far away is Makhachev from his pursuit? The lightweight champion isn’t sure, but knows it’s something he needs to achieve in his career.

Alexander Volkanovski credits UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his calculated approach. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) defends his lightweight title in a rematch vs. Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA,