Makhachev desires 'new target' after UFC 311

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev would prefer to face a fresh face rather than entertain the possibility of a trilogy bout with Arman Tsarukyan after the two fight for the title at UFC 311 on Saturday.

Makhachev could be motivated for a rubber match if he loses the belt, but he doesn't have much of an appetite for running it back right now.

"Third fight, I hope no," Makhachev told reporters Wednesday, including MMA Junkie's Simon Samano and Mike Bohn. "It doesn't make sense, three fights with the same guy. I think new generation will come. We'll have most dangerous division. The old guys - I believe this is one of the hardest weight classes, not just in the UFC, but all of the sport. I need some new target."

Makhachev (26-1) was victorious in the pair's first meeting by unanimous decision at a 2019 Fight Night event. However, Tsarukyan (22-3) will step into the Octagon on Saturday having won his past five matches, including a split decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 last April. Makhachev said he isn't looking past his "tough opponent" this weekend.

There have been discussions about a potential move up to welterweight for Makhachev in the future, but the promotion's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter is employing the same approach he's carried throughout his career.

"It's my opinion all my life: I never trust opponent, never thinking I'm gonna fight this guy, I'm not gonna fight this guy. Just send me contract, that's it," Makhachev said.

The 33-year-old is riding a 14-fight winning streak, which includes victories over many of the top contenders in the 155-pound division. Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski have fallen to the Dagestani during his lightweight run.