Who can stop Makhachev at Welterweight? Or is the UFC lacking a real opponent?

In a shocking but long-rumored move, Islam Makhachev has officially vacated his lightweight championship and announced his transition to the welterweight division. After months of speculation, the Dagestani fighter confirmed the news in a candid interview, stating that his goal now is to become a two-division UFC champion — a feat that would cement his legacy among the sport’s all-time greats.

| ISLAM MAKHACHEV: “I’ve cleaned out lightweight. There’s nothing left for me there. Welterweight is my next mountain to climb.”

This development has sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community. For months, fans and analysts speculated whether Makhachev would continue defending his belt or chase greatness by moving up. With this announcement, it’s now clear: he’s coming for UFC welterweight gold.

Dominance at Lightweight: A Legacy Already Built

Let’s rewind. Islam Makhachev took over the lightweight throne in October 2022 when he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 via submission. Since then, his reign was marked by calculated dominance. He went on to defend the belt against Alexander Volkanovski twice — the first time a razor-close decision that sparked debate, and the second time a devastating head kick knockout that silenced the doubters.

In just three title fights, Makhachev proved his all-around game. His grappling, honed under Khabib Nurmagomedov, was suffocating. His striking, under coach Javier Mendez, had become a serious weapon. The question became: who could challenge him?

By mid-2025, that answer was: no one. The lightweight division had run out of answers.

| DANIEL CORMIER: “You could make a case that Islam had nothing left to prove at 155. He was starting to look like Khabib 2.0 — maybe even better in some aspects.”

Weight Cuts and the Toll on the Body

One of the key reasons for this shift was the grueling weight cut. Standing at 5’10” and walking around close to 190 lbs, Makhachev often faced an uphill battle on the scales. Multiple reports surfaced over the years about difficult cuts and his body showing signs of fatigue during fight week.

| ISLAM MAKHACHEV: “Every time I cut, it was harder. My team was worried. At some point, I had to listen to my body.”

It’s a reality many fighters face. As they age, and their bodies mature, the cut to a lighter division becomes more dangerous. Fighters like José Aldo, Max Holloway, and even Dustin Poirier have spoken about the toll it takes. For Makhachev, the decision to move up wasn’t just about glory — it was about longevity.

Eyeing the 170 lbs Throne: But Who Stands in His Way?

Now that he’s in the welterweight division, Islam Makhachev finds himself in unfamiliar territory — not as the reigning king, but as a challenger. The current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, has quietly built a strong case for being one of the best in the world, defending his belt twice since defeating Kamaru Usman.

However, Edwards’ style may be tailor-made for someone like Makhachev — a patient striker who often backs up. Still, stylistic speculation aside, there’s a queue of contenders waiting at 170 lbs, including:

• Shavkat Rakhmonov: Undefeated, dominant, and highly dangerous.

• Belal Muhammad: A wrestling-heavy fighter who has long campaigned for a title shot.

• Colby Covington: While past his prime, his cardio and pace remain tricky.

• Khamzat Chimaev: If he returns to 170, this is a superfight waiting to happen.

| JAVIER MENDEZ: “We’re not asking for a free title shot. But Islam deserves one soon. He’s earned that right by dominating one division.”

Is a Title Shot Immediate?

That’s the golden question. Will Dana White grant Makhachev an immediate shot, or will the UFC ask him to win at least one fight at welterweight first?

Historically, the UFC has granted immediate opportunities to dominant champions who move up: think Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Conor McGregor, and Israel Adesanya. But it hasn’t always worked out. Adesanya fell short against Jan Błachowicz, showing that weight differences — and strength differences — are real.

| DANA WHITE: “Islam has done incredible things at lightweight. We’ll see what happens, but no decision yet on whether it’s a title fight next.”

Dagestan’s Continued Dominance

One of the understated impacts of Makhachev’s move is how it continues Dagestan’s imprint on MMA. The region has now produced multiple champions — Khabib, Islam, and perhaps soon, Usman Nurmagomedov in Bellator. The fighting style is known: control, pressure, dominance.

But Islam is more than a copy of Khabib. He’s created his own path, blending striking with sambo-style grappling and a calm, cerebral fight IQ.

| KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV: “Islam is special. He’s different from me. He strikes better. He thinks more in the fight.”

This endorsement says it all. Coming from someone widely considered the lightweight GOAT, that’s serious praise.

The Fans Are Divided

As with any major shift, fans have opinions — lots of them. Some believe Makhachev should’ve stayed and faced rising contenders like Arman Tsarukyan or Mateusz Gamrot. Others argue his résumé is already elite enough to justify the jump.

Online forums are buzzing with debates:

• “He ducked Tsarukyan!”

• “He wants easy gold!”

• “He’s going to ragdoll Leon Edwards!”

• “Shavkat vs Islam is the real main event!”

Truth is, fans always crave big fights. And Makhachev at welterweight opens up multiple dream matchups.

What Does This Mean for the Lightweight Division?

With Islam Makhachev vacating, the lightweight title is now vacant. UFC will likely book a fight for the belt soon — possibly between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, or maybe Justin Gaethje gets a surprise shot.

The division is in a fascinating spot. For years, it was defined by Khabib, then Islam. Now, it’s open again, and chaos could reign. A new era is coming.

| JUSTIN GAETHJE: “I respect Islam. But now it’s our time. This belt is up for grabs, and I’m not backing down.”

What’s Next for Islam?

If Islam Makhachev wins at welterweight, he joins an elite club of two-division champions. Only a handful have ever done it — Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Amanda Nunes among them.

But more importantly, it gives Islam an opportunity to chase greatness — not just dominance.

| ISLAM MAKHACHEV: “I don’t want to just hold the belt. I want legacy. I want to do what Khabib never did. Two belts. One name.”

This is where the storyline gets poetic. While Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated, he never moved up in weight. Islam, his protégé, is now doing what even the Eagle didn’t attempt.

Potential Scenarios Moving Forward

Here are a few possible paths we might see in the next 12 months:

1. Islam Makhachev vs Leon Edwards at UFC 300+ – A blockbuster main event for a historic card.

2. Makhachev vs Belal Muhammad – A “test fight” before the title, perhaps on short notice.

3. Makhachev vs Khamzat Chimaev – If this happens, it might break the internet.

4. Dagestan vs Dagestan: Islam vs Shavkat – The most technical matchup possible, and a true 50-50 fight.

In all scenarios, the stakes are enormous — both for Islam Makhachev and the UFC.

Final Word: More Than Just a Belt

This move isn’t just about weight or chasing another strap. It’s about legacy. It’s about pushing beyond limits. It’s about showing the world that Islam Makhachev is more than a dominant fighter — he’s a history maker.

For fans, it’s a chance to witness something special.

The belt is vacant. The path is open. And Islam Makhachev is walking toward greatness.