Islam Makhachev expresses desire for greatness after UFC 311 with one-word

After UFC 311 last weekend, it's safe to assume that Islam Makhachev is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world today. By submitting Renato Moicano with his signature D'Arce choke in the first round, Makhachev set the most consecutive title defenses in the UFC lightweight division, surpassing legends including his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

What's even more frightening is that Makhachev is only getting started. At just 33 years old, the 155-pound champion is in the thick of his hunt for more victims. This was encapsulated by a single word the champion wrote as a warning to everyone in his way:

"Hungry"

This spells trouble to anyone in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. No official plans have been set for Makhachev's next bout as UFC president Dana White shut down speculations of Arman Tsarukyan getting a title shot after pulling out of UFC 311 at the last minute. This leaves no immediate option for a challenger in the lightweight division, save for former champion Charles Oliveira who Islam Makhachev already beat for the title.

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Islam Makhachev unbothered by the last-minute opponent replacement at UFC 311

Just hours before the weigh-ins for UFC 311, title challenger Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of his rematch with Islam Makhachev due to a back injury. No.10-ranked Renato Moicano, who was supposed to face Beneil Dariush on the same night, stepped in on a day's notice to fight the champion.

At the post-fight press conference, Makhachev was asked if he was bothered or thrown out of his game by facing a different man on fight night. Based on his first-round submission win alone, one can assume the answer to this.

Still, the champion spoke:

"For me, it's nothing, man. I [did] not prepare myself just for Arman [Tsarukyan] or someone, you know. I prepared myself for [the] fight and for me, it's no matter. I always tell you guys and if this happened, like, before one hour, I will say yes because I [was] training [for the] last three months for the fight. Not just for one opponent. For the fight. No matter who it is going to be."

Listen to Islam Makhachev here (0:38):