Islam Makhachev is celebrating another big win just one week after his UFC 311 triumph.
The UFC lightweight champion easily submitted Renato Moicano to defend his title last weekend.
On Saturday night, he was watched from cageside as Usman Nurmagomedov beat Paul Hughes.
The Bellator lightweight champion defended his belt via a controversial majority decision win that got fans riled up, with UFC legend Conor McGregor the most vocal detractor of the judges and their scorecards.
Islam Makhachev reflects on PFL Champion Series 1
On Sunday, Islam Makhachev shared a brief social media statement reflecting on his time in Dubai for the big fight.
“It was amazing fight and crazy experience,” he wrote alongside several pictures on Instagram.
“Congrats Champ @usman_nurmagomedov.”
Makhachev’s teammate has a bit more to say. UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov shared an emotional tribute to his cousin, who he believes is getting better and better after his razor-thin win over Hughes.
“Congratulations Brother @usman_nurmagomedov on another successful title defense, you have done a great job in the big arena over the past couple of years, and of course a great job at the hall in your life,” Khabib wrote alongside an old family photo on Instagram.
“You’re going to show the world a lot of mixed martial arts and you’re only disperse and you still continue to learn and get stronger with each fight.”
“Keep working harder, the further – the harder your opponents will be.”
What’s next for Islam Makhachev?
Makhachev is currently looking for the next challenger to his record-setting run as the 155lb king.
The 33-year-old initially teased a sensational move up to middleweight to fight Dricus du Plessis.
More recently, Makhachev suggested a scrap with Justin Gaethje could be next. First, ‘The Highlight’ has got to get through a five-round clash with Dan Hooker, which will co-headline when Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8.
“Well, I like this idea (of fighting Gaethje) because I haven’t fought Justin yet,” he told Ushatayka.
“If you look at the others on the list, Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, I’ve already fought them, and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation.
“If Gaethje shows himself well in the next fight, we can meet.”