The UFC has had multiple fighters win titles in two different weight classes, but it’s not something Dana White signs off on regularly.
However, when a champion has been as dominant as Islam Makhachev has been at lightweight, White is more apt to turn them loose to chase gold in another division. Makhachev has made it clear he has plans to move up to welterweight in search of a title at 170 pounds.
White is now prepared to give Makhachev his blessing to pursue his next goal, but only after he successfully defends his title against Arman Tsarukyan in January–most likely at UFC 311. At the Power Slap post-event presser, White was asked if he would allow Makhachev to move up after he potentially beats Tsarukyan.
“Absolutely,” White said. Here is a look at the entire presser.
White has held on to the belief that Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the UFC over Makhachev. White has put light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira ahead of Makhachev in his pound-for-pound rankings.
However, if Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Tsarukyan, moves up to welterweight, and becomes a champion at 170 pounds, it would appear Makhachev would become White’s new pound champion.
The 33-year-old from Dagestan has compiled a 26-1 professional record. Makhachev’s lone loss as a pro came to Adriano Martins in October 2015. The subsequent 14-fight win streak, nine victories by finish, title win, and three consecutive defenses put him in the conversation for greatest lightweight in MMA history.
If Makhachev defeats Tsarukyan, he will break the record for the most successful UFC lightweight title defenses. Makhachev’s mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson and BJ Penn had three successful title defenses.
After Tsarukyan, very few fighters remain at 155 pounds that Makhachev hasn’t already beaten. Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway are the only fighters in the Top 5 that Makhachev hasn’t beaten.
A fight with Gaethje seems far-fetched, considering he’s coming off a hellacious KO loss to Holloway at UFC 300. Holloway takes on Ilia Topuria for the latter’s UFC featherweight title on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
If Holloway wins, many will call for him to get a shot at Makhachev if the former is interested in moving up. That said, Topuria has also voiced his desire to move up to lightweight to challenge for a title at 155 pounds.
The winner of the UFC 308 main event could wind up playing a role in what’s next for Makhachev. One thing seems clear: White won’t stand in the way of Makhachev’s decision.
Other News – UFC 308The UFC is back in Abu Dhabi for the spectacular UFC 308 cards. Here is a look at the lineup of fights.
Main Card – 2 pm ET
- (c) Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – UFC Featherweight Championship
- Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic
- Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige
- Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan
Prelims – 10 AM ET
- Geoff Neal vs. Rafael dos Anjos
- Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki
- Abus Magomedov vs. Brunno Ferreira
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Chris Barnett
- Farid Basharat vs. Victor Hugo
- Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Carlos Leal
- Ismail Naurdiev vs. Bruno Silva
- Ibo Aslan vs. Raffael Cerqueira
