Islam Makhachev Names his Next Toughest Challenge at UFC Lightweight

UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev considers this lightweight opponent to be his toughest challenge.

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has named Dustin Poirier as his biggest challenge at lightweight after his perceived threat from Beneil Dariush was "turned upside down" by the results of UFC 289.

RELATED: Charles Oliveira Starches Beneil Dariush At UFC 289

Makhachev spoke with 'YukaHero' inside the ring after the events of EagleFC 52 on June 17.

"I don't know. Maybe Poirier," Makhachev replied when asked about his next toughest challenge at lightweight. "He has a big name in the UFC. Well... I can't say for sure. Dariush lost, everything turned upside down, I can't say anything for now.

"If [Dariush] had beat Oliveira, it would have been a good fight. Dariush's skills were highly appreciated. It would have been a good fight. "

Lightweight is a clean slate for Makhachev. The Dagestani champion has only defeated three current top-15 lightweight opponents in #1 Oliveira, #8 Arman Tsarukyan, and #11 Dan Hooker. 

Despite this, his choice of opponents is slim. He's already beaten #1 Oliveira. #2 Poirier and #3 Gaethje are fighting each other in July, #4 Dariush just lost to Oliveira. #5 Michael Chandler is preoccupied with Conor McGregor, and anyone outside of the top-five would be forcing Makhachev to step too far down in the rankings.

Sean O'Malley Pushes for Islam Makhachev Charles Oliveira Rematch

Bantamweight title contender Sean O'Malley is all for a rematch between Oliveira and Makhachev. "Suga" discussed the potential fight on the "TimboSugarshow" on June 12:

"He seems fired the f*** up, motivated, ready to go .... Islam's coming off a very controversial win over Alexander Volkanovski. Charles coming off a dominating win over Beneil Dariush. Very interesting fight. That's what I wanna see next at '55. I don't really care to see anyone else. I wanna see Charles vs. Islam 2." 

READ: Sean O'Malley Makes Bold Statement On Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2

Makhachev is in a tough spot, but there are still plenty of entertaining fights to make if he is willing to have some repeat names on his résumé.

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