UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, according to his teammate Umar Nurmagomedov, did not plan to give up his 155-pound title when preparing to compete for the welterweight championship. Makhachev originally intended to hold both the lightweight and welterweight belts at the same time, refusing to vacate his current title despite plans to move up in weight.
UFC President Dana White confirmed Makhachev’s move to welterweight earlier this year and announced that the pound-for-pound standout will make his debut in the 170-pound division against the new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later in 2024. Meanwhile, the lightweight championship will become vacant, with Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria set to clash for the title at UFC 317 this month.
Nurmagomedov Comments on UFC’s Desire and Makhachev’s Stance
Umar Nurmagomedov recently spoke to journalist Adam Zubayraev about the situation, explaining that the UFC wanted Makhachev to vacate the lightweight belt to allow Topuria to become the new champion. However, Makhachev himself has no intention of giving up his lightweight crown and continues to want fights in that division.
“They wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155… Islam doesn’t want to [vacate]. He had no plans to vacate it. He still wants to fight at 155, too.” —Umar Nurmagomedov, Teammate of Islam Makhachev
Initial plans had even suggested a potential bout between Makhachev and Topuria. However, following the dethroning of Makhachev’s close friend and training partner Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Makhachev pursued the welterweight move, a choice that drew criticism and accusations from the MMA community, with some fans suggesting he was avoiding a fight with Topuria. With this shift, Topuria will face Oliveira, which is seen as a more favorable matchup for the Georgian-Spaniard fighter.
Latest from Makhachev’s Manager on Welterweight Debut
Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, provided an update on the champ’s preparation for the welterweight division in an interview with Submission Radio. Abdelaziz emphasized that Makhachev is training intensively to be ready for his upcoming fight and confirmed that the matchup with Jack Della Maddalena will indeed take place in 2024.
“Whatever doesn’t matter. October, November, December, but it’s gonna be this year. 100%. I just talked to Islam. He just called me. He is on his way to the gym. He is training two times a day. He is getting ready… You’re going to get two high-level athletes competing in the next 3-4 months.” —Ali Abdelaziz, Manager of Islam Makhachev
Makhachev’s dual ambition to maintain his lightweight title while chasing welterweight gold places him in a rare position within the UFC. His desire to hold two divisional belts simultaneously could redefine championship dynamics if realized. Meanwhile, the setting of UFC 317 for the lightweight title fight and the welterweight debut later this year builds anticipation for significant moments in Makhachev’s career and the broader UFC landscape.