Islam Makhachev hints at weight class change ahead of UFC title fight

04 February 2023 , 15:14

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Islam Makhachev faces Alex Volkanovski next weekend (Image: Zuffa LLC)

Islam Makhachev has hinted at a future move up to welterweight ahead of his UFC title fight against Alexander Volkanovski.

Makhachev, 31, makes the first defence of his lightweight title against featherweight champion Volkanovski at UFC 284 next weekend in Perth, Australia. The Russian won the belt that was once held for several years by his coach and friend Khabib Nurmagomedov when he submitted Charles Oliveira last October.

Makhachev is fully focused on Volkanovski and the other challengers in his weight class for now, but he is open to a move up to welterweight in the future.

“Let me tell you this: this topic is relevant,” Makhachev told RSports Russia. “I like to compete. I like to fight strong fighters. I love big fights. Whoever is the welterweight champion, it’s going to be a huge fight. I’m very interested. But in 2023, there are worthy opponents in my division with whom I still have to meet.”

Leon Edwards holds the welterweight belt following his last-gasp knockout win over Kamaru Usman, against whom he defends the title against in a trilogy fight at UFC 286 in March. Makhachev recently vented his frustration at the lack of promotion by the UFC for his upcoming title fight, as he feels a world tour or press conference would have helped sell the spectacle.

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"I see that there is not such a big promotion. [UFC president Dana] White himself has the biggest problems," Makhachev added. "He does not pay much attention to here. In Perth, everyone knows about the fight and is looking forward to it. In terms of pay-per-view, yes, more could have been done. I only saw Volkanovski once, in Sydney. A tour could be organised around the world, a conference could be held in America."

Do you want to see UFC champion Islam Makhachev move up to welterweight in the future? Let us know in the comments section below.

Islam Makhachev has hinted at a move up to welterweight (Zuffa LLC)

Nurmagomedov was criticised by UFC fans for his decision to retire in the peak of his career, but childhood friend Makhachev has ruled out any chance retiring soon himself. Nurmagomedov predicted that Makhachev will defend his belt "five or six times" before retiring, but the champion refused to put a number on his future.

"As long as there is a fire in me, I will fight. As soon as I feel that it’s not going, it’s not the same, I’ll leave the sport. In the meantime, I feel that everything is working out for me. With each preparation, I show myself better and better. I will go to the end," Makhachev added.

Harry Davies