The UFC reportedly sidelined Islam Makhachev‘s lightweight and welterweight title ambitions to allow Ilia Topuria a clearer path to the lightweight championship. This move, according to Makhachev’s cousin Umar Nurmagomedov, took place after Topuria decided to leave the featherweight division for a shot at the lightweight crown, causing tension within UFC leadership over the legitimacy of the Spaniard’s claim.

As the lightweight champion, Makhachev and his team were reportedly resistant to facing Topuria, creating complexity at UFC headquarters. In response, UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell traveled to the Caucasus region, which led to speculation that he was addressing issues around light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. However, Nurmagomedov later revealed that Campbell’s main agenda was actually to convince Islam Makhachev to vacate the lightweight title to accommodate Topuria’s rise.

Campbell’s Visit and UFC’s Strategic Roster Adjustment

Umar Nurmagomedov, himself a former bantamweight title contender and cousin to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam’s mentor, spoke about the situation, praising Campbell’s commitment to securing high-profile clashes. He disclosed that Campbell suggested Islam shift up to the welterweight division to make way for Topuria at lightweight.

He flew out, and honestly, I don’t even know if I am allowed to say this, but they wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria champ at 155 lbs,

Umar revealed.

While Islam agreed to the plan, Nurmagomedov emphasized that this was not the fighter’s own decision, highlighting the influence of UFC’s strategic considerations rather than his personal ambitions.

Not because Islam wants to move up, but because they want him to be champ there (170 lbs). They believe he can really sell fights,

he explained, adding,

The plan was, if Belal won, Islam would defend his title at 155… against Topuria at lightweight. But now Belal’s out of the picture, Islam will likely move up to 170 lbs and become a double champ, InshaAllah.

Despite Oliveira vs. Topuria being booked for UFC 317 as the main event, which complicates Islam’s double championship hopes, Umar remains optimistic that Makhachev can still pursue titles in multiple divisions.

Islam Makhachev’s Ambitions Beyond Lightweight

Umar elaborated on Islam Makhachev’s legacy goals, stressing that while Makhachev has already left his mark in the lightweight division, capturing the welterweight belt would be a significant career milestone. He also highlighted Islam’s intent to return to lightweight to claim a double championship after conquering 170 lbs.

For Islam to truly have a legacy… He’s already made his mark at lightweight. But from an athletic standpoint, grabbing that 170 lbs title would be another major milestone,

Umar asserted.

Regarding Islam’s earlier remarks about fighting at middleweight, Nurmagomedov described those comments as somewhat unrealistic, citing weight and physical preparation challenges.

No, he doesn’t weigh that much. During camp, he maxed out at like 86 kilos(189.5 lbs). So now, he’s got to bulk up if he wants to move to 170 lbs. To fight at 170 lbs, yeah — needs to add muscle. He needs to gain some serious mass,

Umar detailed about Makhachev’s current conditioning.

To fight at 170 lbs is one thing. But to fight at 185 lbs, when you only way 189 lbs? Cutting 2 kilos (4 lbs) to make 185 — that’s just not realistic,

he added.

Makhachev has already begun increasing his muscle mass in preparation for a welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena, which is expected by the end of this year.

Implications for UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Divisions

The decision to prioritize Ilia Topuria’s ascent at lightweight has placed Islam Makhachev’s ambitions at a crossroads, forcing him to consider moving up in weight class despite his dominance in lightweight. UFC’s maneuvering reflects a strategy to generate high-profile matchups and marketable champions across divisions while managing complex fighter dynamics.

If Makhachev succeeds in securing the welterweight belt, his status as a double champion would elevate his legacy significantly. However, ongoing fights such as Oliveira vs. Topuria continue to complicate this trajectory, leaving fans and insiders uncertain about the exact timeline for Makhachev’s pursuit of multiple titles.