It has been established that UFC 302 is perhaps the biggest fight in the illustrious career of Islam Makhachev as he gears up to fight lightweight stalwart Dustin Poirier. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s going to be in his corner for the big-time 155lbs clash. But what’s next for Makhachev? Well, that’s what we’re to discuss ahead of his third title defense.

Many fans and UFC personalities argue that Dustin Poirier deserved his spot in the title fight this weekend. He even hinted at retirement plans post the Islam Makhachev fight. And if he could not get it done, the Dagestan native could revert to a former rival in his next fight because he said it himself recently.

Did Islam Makhachev confirm title defense against Arman Tsarukyan next?

Charles Oliveira, who had the rematch against Islam Makhachev in the palm of his hand at UFC 294, had to pull out, which led him to get paired with Arman Tsarukyan for the no.1 contender’s spot at UFC 300. And guess what? The Armenian star defeated ‘Do Bronx’ via decision. That ended up making Tsarukyan the next title-shot contender. And apparently, Makhachev seems to agree with it.

Arman Tsarukyan could have fought Islam Makhachev in place of Dustin Poirier, but he refrained from taking that chance. The reason behind it was that he wanted more time to recover and prepare after his last fight. Despite that, ‘Ahalkalakets’ hasn’t lost his place in the title conversation.

Recently, the lightweight champion played a game of describing a fighter with one word. He described a few fighters, including his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, and when it came time for Arman Tsarukyan, Islam Makhachev stated, “Next.” Now what does that mean? Well, for UFC enthusiasts, it could mean that he’s Makhachev’s next opponent.

However, a path toward his next title defense may not be in order for Islam Makhachev because the 32-year-old also opened up about another path he would like to next besides defending his gold. If you’re trying to guess what that path could be, well, it’s the move to the welterweight division.

Dagestani champ hinted at a move to 170 lbs division

Ever since Conor McGregor became the first simultaneous dual-weight champion, he opened the floodgates to many accomplished UFC stars following in his footsteps and achieving that feat themselves. As such, that has become a wish on many UFC fighters’ bucket lists in the current times. And Islam Makhachev has a similar career route in mind. He had mentioned this earlier, wanting to do what his mentor never did.

“Man, who we have next? Now, we have Poirier. After if I beat Poirier and Arman, I don’t know. I don’t have some job in my division. And I need the second belt,” Islam Makhachev stated on the ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ show. So does that mean he could see himself fighting Leon Edwards or Belal Muhammad, who are battling for the welterweight strap at UFC 304? Well, nothing is confirmed right now.

Where do you see Islam Makhachev going after UFC 302? Will he continue his dominant reign in the lightweight division or will he make the 170-pound jump? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.