“I do agree. I think being the champion of an upper weight class is definitely the biggest challenge of his career. Not many people have been able to go up and secure a second belt... Khabib's obviously a legend in the sport, so hearing that is nice. -acknowledging Khabib Nurmagomedov's compliment of calling him the biggest threat, via New York Post Sports.”

“I'm gonna break Islam Makhachev, take his pound-for-pound spot, and it's gonna be a great moment for my career and legacy - via UFC, on his ambitions against Islam Makhachev.”

“I would like to be a defending champion. I'd like to see a champion sort of, at least clean out a lot of the top 10 guys before moving up. Respect to Islam, I do think he has moved up at a good time... He cleaned out the division and moved up. I'll try to do the same... [Middleweight is a possibility one day] Yeah, for sure. I'd like to fight Khamzat Chimaev at one point - shared his future plans via New York Post Sports”

“I think yeah, not stop moving. I think Islam, if he can get on top of you and you give him time, he’ll just keep getting better positions until he gets the finish. I think keeping moving and never letting a position really settle is going to be key to victory - shared his gameplan against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322”

“A lot of people look at it like striking vs grappling, but it's not really. Islam's more than just a grappler, not just a wrestler - he's an all-rounder, one of the best MMA guys -via Freestylebender”

“Yeah, I think [Makhachev] he's obviously very strong, very good fighter. Just stay on the outside and uh ping him. That's it.-during UFC Perth interview”

“I'm going to go for finish against Islam Makhachev. Obviously, that would be the best-case scenario, get the finish. I can see it happening and I can see it blowing the roof off MSG. Taking out pound-for-pound no. 1 with no doubts, a finish would be the dream.”