Islam Makhachev has already achieved a lot in his professional MMA career. Besides being the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev is also the pound-for-pound number-one fighter in the promotion. However, the Dagestani fighter is not satisfied and wants the ‘Champ Champ’ status.
Following his victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev desired to move and challenge Leon Edwards for the title. But after Belal Muhammad defeated Edwards to win the welterweight title, the fighter’s dream was crushed. Nevertheless, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, has revealed that Makhachev could skip the welterweight division in favor of the middleweight championship.
Maybe Islam gains weight and goes 185. I mean, he would have to gain weight, obviously, because that’s a little big for him. You never know. He’s that good. Pound-for-pound no. 1 for a reason.
Javier Mendez via Red Corner MMA YouTube channel
Islam Makhachev’s decision not to fight Belal Muhammad stems from their brotherly relationship. Both have trained with each other and have helped each other grow. Muhammad had previously suggested that Makhachev move up to the middleweight division. This didn’t go well with the champion, Dricus Du Plessis. However, Muhammad was confident about Makhachev’s win against DDP.
The middleweight division is filled with some absolute killers such as Sean Strickland, Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, etc. No lightweight fighter has ever thought of jumping two divisions in the history of UFC. Nevertheless, as Mendez said, if the P4P King wants to do that, he surely needs to put on a massive size.
Islam Makhachev wants Daniel Cormier’s help to gain weight for middleweight debut
The playful banter between the Dagestani fighters and Daniel Cormier is extremely popular among fight fans. Khabib Nurmagomedov joined AKA during his early UFC days, and DC helped him with his striking. Similar to Nurmagomedov, others, including Islam Makhachev, also trained and joked around with the UFC Hall of Famer. Over the years, they have established a very strong bond.
Islam Makhachev wants Daniel Cormier’s meal plan to gain weight (via X/Imago)Islam Makhachev was at UFC Abu Dhabi in order to support his teammate Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event. During one of his interviews, he was asked about his potential move to the middleweight division. While answering the question, Makhachev hilariously joked about taking help from DC.
If I move to [middleweight]… I have to ask DC his meal plan.
Islam Makhachev via UFC Abu Dhabi presser
Islam Makhachev had expected to return to the octagon later this year for his second bout. He was believed to face Arman Tsarukyan, the number one lightweight contender. However, due to a hand injury, his odds of returning are minimal. Nonetheless, Makhachev has a massive fan base, and everyone is eager to see him inside the octagon as soon as possible.
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