"Anytime, anywhere" - Islam Makhachev's manager makes eye-opening claim about lightweight champion's legacy amid UFC 311 main event shake-up

Islam Makhachev is carving out a legacy for himself with few equals in the UFC lightweight division. However, his manager Ali Abdelaziz believes that the Dagestani star's willingness to take on all-comers, even short-notice foes with just 24 hours to prepare, is a testament to his standing in the sport.

He is widely regarded as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world at the moment. According to Abdelaziz, Makhachev deserves to be recognized as the greatest fighter of his generation for his lack of fear when it comes to taking on daunting challenges.

"Now people understand why @MAKHACHEVMMA is the pound for pound best fighter of this generation. He's willing to fight anyone, anytime, anywhere."

Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled as his original opponent for UFC 311, with the pair gearing up to recreate their thrilling rematch from nearly six years ago, which Makhachev won. Unfortunately, a worsening back injury caused Tsarukyan to withdraw from the bout with just 24 hours remaining.

The 28-year-old was replaced by the streaking Renato Moicano, an exceptional grappler in his own right. Makhachev, however, has remained at ease despite the switch in opponent, which is more than can be said for most champions in the sport, past and present.

Unfortunately, fighting Moicano removes some of the luster from a record-breaking fourth UFC lightweight title defense if Makhachev defeats the Brazilian. Moicano is ranked #10 at lightweight, while Tsarukyan was ranked #1 in the division.

Moreover, given how close Makhachev's first bout with Tsarukyan was, there was an additional element of intrigue to their fight that the Moicano clash lacks.

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This isn't the first time that Islam Makhachev has accepted a late-notice switch in opponent

At UFC 294, Islam Makhachev was set to take on Charles Oliveira in another highly anticipated matchup. Unfortunately, a cut suffered during sparring caused 'do Bronx' to pull out of the bout, with Alexander Volkanovski replacing him on just 10 days' notice.

Check out Islam Makhachev's knockout of Alexander Volkanovski:

Despite how competitive Volkanovski was in his first bout with Makhachev, the rematch was far more decisive in his rival's favor. Makhachev knocked him out within three minutes of round one to defend his lightweight title for the second time.