Islam Makhachev has discussed potentially moving to middleweight. UFC President Dana White has now commented on the idea.
Islam Makhachev’s D’Arce choke is becoming a signature move after it netted him Submission of the Month honors again in January.
Following his title defense at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev could finally be on the verge of a permanent move up to welterweight with no lightweight fights left.
During the weigh-ins for UFC 311, it started to become clear that something had gone wrong with Arman Tsarukyan and that he may not appear on the scales. It was later revealed by Dana White that he had suffered an injury, and the fight was changed at late notice.
Beneil Dariush has an interesting pick for the UFC lightweight who has the best chance of dethroning Islam Makhachev.
Dricus Du Plessis Ready to Fight Islam Makhachev
There, the UFC executive largely shut down Islam Makhachev’s tease of a move to 185 pounds. While Dana White has no issue with the lightweight champion moving up to welterweight, a move to middleweight is a bridge too far for the promoter.
Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez says the undisputed UFC lightweight champion has the ability to win UFC titles at both welterweight and middleweight.
Team Khabib coach claims Islam Makhachev can achieve a three-division title run and targets Shavkat Rakhmonov for welterweight gold.
Sean Strickland has a scathing warning for Islam Makhachev if he's actually considering a move to middleweight one day.
Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev submitted 10th-ranked Renato Moicano at 4:05 of the first round Saturday night at UFC 311 for his 15th straight victory.
Islam Makhachev wants multi-division championship glory, but one UFC analyst would prefer to see him stick in his own lane.