UFC 311 was full of drama and thrills, one of which was the last-minute cancellation of the main event. Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was set to face Arman Tsarukyan, but the fight was canceled because Tsarukyan suffered a back injury.
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The UFC chose to change gears immediately, offering Makhachev a matchup against Renato Moicano. Moicano was set to face Beneil Dariush and instead chose to accept the title match on short notice.
It was reported that Dana White gave Dariush his show and won money for canceling his canceled fight so that UFC could make the Moicano vs Makhachev showdown.
Though Moicano could have shocked the world, he was dispatched in the first round by a Darce Choke submission. Makhachev caught an early big shot but immediately shot after and took Moicano down, getting the easy submission.
Now, Makhachev has revealed his lofty goals for 2025, which include moving up to the middleweight division.
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In a post-fight press conference, provided by MMA Junkie, Makhachev speaks about wanting to face current champion Dricus Du Plessis.
"I can be three division, also. Just give me the chance, that's it. I will fight with Du Plessis. Give me the chance ... I swear, if Dana sends me the contract, I will fight." Makhachev said.
Following the lofty goals, Makhachev then joked about a reporter asking if he would move up even further to 205 pounds to face Alex Pereira. Makhachev stated that is "too much," while laughing.
"I need the DC diet program to get to 205," Makhachev joked.
Makhachev was taking a shot at Daniel Cormier, as the pair are constantly poking fun at one another.
Though Makhachev getting to 205 pounds and maintaining his speed and skillset is quite humorous, he could easily move up to middleweight to challenge Du Plessis, or whoever might be champion if the UFC wants to make this a reality.
Makhachev has beaten everyone most of the high-level competitors in the lightweight division, including Moicano, Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanosvki (twice), Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, and more.
Makhachev's 15 wins in a row is also one away from tying the 16-fight win streak that was set by Anderson Silva. At this point, the lightweight champion should be thinking about moving up to challenge the upper-echelon fighters in the middleweight division.
The UFC allowed Volkanovski to do this twice, as he was dispatched by Makhachev both times. The same treatment should happen for Makhachev.
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