“The goal is to become the best fighter in the world”: Makhachev brought the won UFC belt to Makhachkala

• Makhachev flew to Dagestan with the UFC championship belt

Fighter Islam Makhachev, who won the lightweight championship belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, returned home to Dagestan.

A large delegation met him at the airport.

In addition to relatives and friends, the Minister of Sports of the Republic Sazhid Sazhidov and the head of the region Sergey Melikov came to congratulate the athlete.

After a short official part, the Russian went out to talk to reporters.

Makhachev admitted that he plans to be with family and friends in the near future, since the duel with Charles Oliveira took a lot of strength, both physical and moral.

“I feel fine.

Sleep.

First of all, now I want to have a good rest.

I have been preparing for the fight for a long time.

Three months before the fight, he left for a training camp in the mountains, in Dagestan.

And I plan to move away from training at least a little in the next two weeks, ”said the fighter.

According to Islam, at the moment he feels a sense of satisfaction, because he was able to achieve his goal and win the championship belt.

And also once again remembered the father of Khabib Nurmagomedov, to whom he dedicated his victory over Oliveira.

“It turns out everything that I have done over the years, since childhood, for a reason.

I think Abdulmanap would be pleased with my result.

All my life he said that I would become a champion.

You just need to practice.

And I listened to him.

I continued to study, ”Makhachev explained.

At the same time, the athlete does not plan to stop there and wants to achieve a career no less impressive than that of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The undefeated UFC champion is part of Islam's team and helps him prepare for fights.

“We are from the same school, we always studied together.

We had one coach.

Because of this, we are often compared.

I have always said, in all interviews, that I like it.

Nurmagomedov is a great champion, he has a very successful, long career.

He beat good opponents.

I plan to follow in his footsteps.

It's not as hard to win a belt as it is to keep it.

So I'll do my best to protect him.

I have now been put in the ranking of the best fighters in third place.

Now there is a new goal - to become the best in the world, ”added Makhachev.

Interestingly, self-confidence did not come to Islam immediately.

Only when the fighter signed a contract with the UFC and began to participate in sparring with top athletes in America.

“I saw that they were ordinary people.

There is nothing special about them, and I can beat any of them.

My career has dragged on so long, because for several years I could not fight with the tops.

I won’t say that they were afraid, they simply refused, as the circumstances developed.

But for now, this issue has been resolved.

Now I will defend the title and fight with those whom the UFC appoints, ”said the Russian.

In the next fight, Makhachev is very likely to meet with Alex Volkanovski.

The Russian confirmed that the fight is scheduled to take place in February in Australia, the homeland of his opponent.

“The UFC is planning the fight.

But so far I have not had any negotiations with the manager yet.

He said, “Rest for a week.

As everything settles down, we will sit down and discuss everything, ”said the athlete.

The father of the fighter Ramazan also talked to reporters.

He behaved very modestly, as, however, and the son.

But it was clear that Makhachev Sr. was glad to see Islam again.

He proudly wore a championship belt on his shoulder.

“He hasn't changed much.

Has always been calm.

Of course, he also liked to indulge in the street.

And now everything is fine.

Although I do not show externally, I feel very strong feelings inside.

But I try to keep a low profile.

Today ordered a banquet hall for a thousand people.

Without restrictions, we invite everyone,” said Ramazan.

However, it was not so easy to get there.

At the exit from the airport, a huge crowd of fans was waiting for Makhachev, each of whom wanted to take a picture with him and chat.

Islam tried not to refuse anyone and even promised to reimburse the expenses of a fan who, on emotions, broke the TV during the fight.

“So far, no one has sent me his contact.

But I am ready to pay for the damage," Makhachev said.

By the way, all the fans who met the fighter were also invited to a banquet.

So this day in Makhachkala is a really big holiday.