Islam Makhachev eyes double champ status, shows reluctance toward Charles Oliveira rematch: "I beat him, Arman beat him"

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has not entered the octagon since June when he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission at UFC 302. He will look to defend his title for the fourth time when he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 next month.

While seemingly Charles Oliveira is next in line to face the winner, the lightweight champion recently shared that he would rather pursue a second belt than rematch 'Do Bronx'. Speaking to Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, Makhachev was asked what's next. He replied by saying:

"I don't know. If I'm looking behind Arman, if I beat him, I don't know. I'm tired to give somebody rematch, you know? I need the second belt, Belal [Muhammad] there. We will see. A lot of good fighters."

Cormier followed by bringing up Oliveira, leading the lightweight champion to state:

"Man, I beat him, Arman beat him. It's nothing exciting, you know? Beat him again. But if he wants, if Dana [White] wants, if fans want, why not?"

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on pursuing a second belt below:

The Russian previously faced Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280 after the latter lost the belt on the scales in his previous bout. He could defeat 'Do Bronx' via second-round submission. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan defeated the No.2-ranked lightweight via split decision in a title eliminator at UFC 300.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov shares thoughts on Islam Makhachev facing Belal Muhammad

Islam Makhachev has not been shy about his desire for double champion status. His close friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has also coached welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, recently weighed in on the potential matchup.

Speaking to Henry Cejudo of the Pound 4 Pound Show, the UFC Hall of Famer shared he would prefer it wouldn't take place, but ultimately it is up to the two champions. He noted he would be with Makhachev, but acknowledged Muhammad would be a tough opponent to prepare for. He said:

"If you want to beat Belal, I think you have to stop him. Without stoppage, it's going to be very hard to do. What are you going to do? Okay, if you take him down, it's very hard to control him for 25 minutes, first of all. And second, it is very hard to dominate with him on striking game in all 25 minutes because he mixes it up. He doesn't stand with you all 25 minutes. He wrestles and strikes, wrestles and strikes. He's good."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev below (8:00):