Islam Makhachev, UFC lightweight champion, explained the choice of opponent for the nearest title defense.
"Honestly, no. Dustin is a good opponent. Because I've already beaten Oliveira and Tsarukyan in my time. My dream fight in the lightweight division is Justin Gaethje, but he lost to Holloway. Now only Porier is left among worthy opponents. Arman refused to fight, Oliveira and Gaethje lost. We had no other choice," Makhachev said in an interview with TMZ Sports.
The fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Puryear will take place on June 1 at UFC 302 in Newark (USA).
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Topuria promises to make Makhachev suffer
Recall, earlier it became known that Makhachev's opponent could become Tsarukyan, but he refused to fight.
