The reigning 155-pound champ signals his intent to chase welterweight glory while holding firm at lightweight!
The UFC’s lightweight division has seen its share of dominant champions over the years. From BJ Penn to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the 155-pound weight class has showcased some of the most skilled fighters in the sport’s history. Now, current champion Islam Makhachev is looking to join the elite club of two-division title holders, a feat accomplished by only a handful of fighters like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes.
Makhachev has been nearly unstoppable since claiming the lightweight crown in October 2022. His impressive run includes successful title defenses against Dustin and featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski. With his technical grappling and improved striking, Makhachev has cleared out most of the division’s top contenders. This dominance has the Dagestani fighter looking up a weight class for new challenges, but with an interesting twist that’s creating waves throughout the UFC.
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Unlike most champions who move up in weight, Makhachev has made it clear he has no intention of giving up his lightweight belt. This decision could potentially create a logjam in the lightweight division, where hungry contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and especially Ilia Topuria are already waiting for their shot.
“This Saturdays main event will define what’s my next move is. But regardless of outcome that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might get real contender there!”
Makhachev’s decision hinges on the outcome of UFC 315’s main event between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and challenger Jack Della Maddalena. The situation is complicated by Makhachev’s friendship and training partnership with Muhammad. The two fighters have trained together extensively and publicly stated they won’t face each other in the octagon. This means Makhachev is essentially rooting for Della Maddalena if he wants a crack at welterweight gold. If Muhammad retains his title, Makhachev will likely stay at lightweight, defending his belt against Ilia Topuria But if Della Maddalena pulls off the upset, we might see Makhachev bulking up for a chance at double-champion status.
UFC 315 results are finally in, and it is probably a bittersweet result for Islam Makhachev. On one side, his friend and training partner Belal Muhammad lost his title to Jack Della Maddalena. On the other hand, this opens up his chance to move up in weight to fight for the welterweight title. Dana White hasn’t yet spoken in the post fight press conference, but it seems that the cards are already stacked!
Fans may be looking at two major fights in the coming months. Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title and Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. There is still a little bit of problem here. Islam Makhachev has stated clearly that he won’t vacate the lightweight title if he climbs to welterweight. If that is the case and he remains ardent on it, two situations can arise. Dana White and the UFC may force him to vacate the lightweight title and fight for the welterweight title. They may keep him at lightweight where he will fight Topuria. Or one very unlikely scenario, where Ilia Topuria fights Charles Oliveira for the interim lightweight title. The ball is in the UFC and Makhachev’s court now. Fans will soon get to know what happens with these two divisions!
Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight championship to move up to lightweight, didn’t waste time responding to Makhachev’s announcement.
“Makhachev is trying to move up a weight class. He is looking for a new challenge. But he hasn’t had the same courage i did. Why are you scared to let go of the belt?” said Topuria in an interview on El Hormiguero.
Topuria’s decision to abandon his 145-pound title after just one defense raised eyebrows, but also showed his confidence in hunting bigger game. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has been calling out Makhachev for months, creating one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the UFC. Topuria believes his explosive striking and submission skills make him the perfect foil to Makhachev’s grappling-heavy approach.
The bad blood between these two champions has been brewing since Topuria’s knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski in February. While Makhachev has largely dismissed Topuria as a legitimate threat, the featherweight champion’s move to lightweight has brought this potential showdown closer to reality!
(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)
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