Highly regarded fighter Islam Makhachev appeared less than thrilled to hear that Charles Oliveira defeated Beneil Dariush, potentially setting him up for a title bout against Makhachev. Oliveira won the co-main event of UFC 289 via first-round TKO, crushing Dariush’s hopes of a guaranteed title shot against Makhachev.

Despite the win, Makhachev seems hesitant to face Oliveira, as he has already beaten him before. Instead, Makhachev hopes to fight new challengers who will add more variety to his resume. But, if the UFC gives him a bout against Oliveira, Makhachev says he won’t back away from the challenge, as he never chooses his opponents.

UFC President Dana White has suggested that Oliveira will get the opportunity to fight Makhachev, however, Makhachev believes that the upcoming fight between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 could also influence the decision. Makhachev states that he neither fears Oliveira’s grappling skills nor anyone else, and he can take him down at any moment.

Makhachev also disclosed that Alexander Volkanovski could be another option for him, as the two previously fought at UFC 284, and he won a unanimous decision. Though Volkanovski is returning to featherweight for a title-unification bout against interim champion Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, Makhachev is open to a rematch.

Despite this, the idea of spending his remaining fights in rematches seems less compelling for Makhachev. Makhachev, like his close friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov, may retire from the sport soon in the future. Due to this, he intends to fight as many new challengers as possible before leaving the sport.

When asked who he would like to fight next, Makhachev struggled to answer following Dariush’s loss. He did, however, mention that a fight against Poirier, who has a large name in the UFC, could be an exciting matchup.

UFC 294 will take place on Oct. 21 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and it’s anticipated that Makhachev will defend his lightweight title in the headlining bout.