Islam Makhachev gives three-word reaction to scoff at Ali Abdelaziz's Alex Pereira claim but eyes Dricus du Plessis for 3x UFC gold legacy

Islam Makhachev has put forth a three-word reaction to Ali Abdelaziz's recent remarks regarding his chances in a potential fight against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Additionally, Makhachev asserted that he'd be open to possibly fighting UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

Islam Makhachev is fresh off a first-round submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 (Jan. 18, 2025). His original opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, withdrew due to a back injury and was replaced by Moicano during fight week. The win helped Makhachev create a new record for the most consecutive UFC lightweight title defenses (4).

During the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, Makhachev was asked about his potential move to welterweight and double-champ aspirations. The 33-year-old responded:

"That's one thing. I don't know when it's going to happen. But I know I'm not leave this sport without a second belt. I need a second belt. And after, I will talk like, greatest or something. But right now, my goal is to be double champ. I don't know, guys, it's going to be next fight or when. I'm going to still fighting, still winning; defend my belt how many times UFC want I'm going to defend my belt. I will defend. And when they give me chance, I want to be double champ."

Ex-UFC middleweight champion and reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has often expressed interest in becoming a three-division champion, aiming to dethrone UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Islam Makhachev was asked whether he too would want to earn three-division titleholder status.

Makhachev targeted UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and said:

"Yeah. I can beat three divisions also. Just give me the chance. That's it. I will fight with [Dricus] du Plessis. If they give me the chance, I will fight with him. I swear, if Dana White send me contract, I will fight with him also."

Makhachev is managed by Rizvan Magomedov of Dominance MMA Management, which is spearheaded by Ali Abdelaziz. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz recently indicated that Makhachev could beat anyone at lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, and even light heavyweight.

Alluding to the supposed grappling skill differential between kickboxing savant Alex Pereira and grappling great Islam Makhachev, Abdelaziz asserted that Makhachev is "just going to take him down and finish him, submit him."

When asked about potentially fighting Pereira, at the post-fight press conference, Makhachev issued a three-word reaction:

"It's too much."

Makhachev laughingly referenced his longtime training partner, retired MMA great Daniel 'DC' Cormier, and jested that he'd need the "'DC' diet program" to be 200 pounds.

Watch Makhachev's assessment below (2:44, 3:40, and 4:14):

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Islam Makhachev's UFC welterweight title quest conundrum

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has long been lobbying for an opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. The Dagestan-based combatant has been eyeing the UFC welterweight title, which is held by his training partner Belal Muhammad.

Muhammad previously stated that he wouldn't fight Makhachev and advised him to instead dethrone 185-pound kingpin Dricus du Plessis. Muhammad also recently hinted at eventually moving to middleweight. Meanwhile, South Africa's du Plessis scoffed at Makhachev's chances against him.

Furthermore, Islam Makhachev has signaled that he's willing to fight any top-tier lightweight contender next, as well as possibly compete for a title in another weight class.