UFC<\/a> 322. Fighting at a more natural weight should allow him to perform at full capacity finally. But Ilia Topuria’s emergence as lightweight champion creates an interesting scenario for everyone involved. <\/p>The undefeated Spanish-Georgian star knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant title in June. He had been calling out Makhachev, even proposing that he would move to welterweight to fight him. And apparently, Islam Makhachev is willing as well, either at welterweight or lightweight, but with some added requirements.<\/p>
The former champion made his financial demands crystal clear during an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto<\/strong>. His willingness to return to 155 pounds depends entirely on the size of his payday.<\/p>Islam Makhachev Explains His Position On Lightweight Return<\/h2>
Islam Makhachev spoke candidly with ESPN journalist Brett Okamoto about what it would take to fight at lightweight again. He emphasized that the weight cut has become increasingly difficult as his body has gotten older. Makhachev revealed he was cutting approximately 22 pounds before each lightweight fight, which is substantial. That dramatic weight reduction left him feeling depleted and never fully recovered by fight night. He estimated competing at only 60-70% of his capabilities because of the brutal cut’s effects.<\/p>
Now that Makhachev has experienced training camps without that weight cut burden, returning feels even less appealing. He knows how much better his body feels carrying more natural weight heading into competition. Fighting at welterweight eliminates the misery of dehydration, starvation, and physical depletion entirely. But Makhachev acknowledged that the right opportunity could change his mind about dropping back down. That opportunity specifically involves Ilia Topuria and a massive financial incentive from Dana White directly.<\/p>
“If Dana White wants me back at 155 to fight Ilia Topuria; he is going to have to pay me for it.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>