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.

Islam Makhachev's fourth UFC lightweight title defense now looks a lot different than what he was preparing for. And yet, that's no problem for the champion. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) was preparing for months to defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan in the main