Islam Makhachev (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following his impressive win at UFC Vegas 31, Islam Makhachev reported he wants to fight Tony Ferguson, on behalf of his longtime teammate, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Makhachev faced fellow lightweight contender, Thiago Moises on Saturday, and submitted him with a fourth-round, rear-naked-choke. The victory was Makhachev’s eighth straight.

After the win, Makhachev was asked about who he wants to fight next, and the rising star made it clear, he’s willing to fight Ferguson (quote via MMA Junkie).

“If they were to give me a choice, let’s do it with Tony because we have good history with him,” Makhachev said. “Khabib was supposed to fight with him like five, six times. Let’s finish this, you know. I’m going to finish this. I’m going to show Tony not Khabib level. People don’t understand how Khabib pressures. I can’t explain to you guys, but I think you know everything.”

Ferguson and Nurmagomedov had five fights fall through over the years before the undefeated lightweight retired in 2020. Ferguson, meanwhile, has lost three straight and has slipped to #5 in the UFC rankings.

Heading into UFC Vegas 31, Makhachev was ranked #8.