Although Islam Makhachev is currently one of the greatest fighters of pound-for-pounds, not everyone believes that his move to Welterweight is a good idea.
Earlier this year, the UFC de Bom dropped that Islam Makhachev had left its lightweight title when pursuing a welterweight title fight against Jack della Maddalena.
The news came as a disappointment for the fan base, because the majority of fans were hopeful to see a super fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.
Nevertheless, a fight between Makhachev and della Maddalena will undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights of the year and Makhachev could possibly recover the top position on the pound-for-pound ranks if he wins.
Photo by Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty images
Michael Bisping claims that the Welterweight Movement of Makhacheve can be a 'big mistake'
Although Makhachev was generally considered a big 155 pound hunter, his move to welterweight is not considered a big move of everyone.
During a local event in Australia last weekend, the current champion of good weight spoke with the crowd and claimed that Makhachev is 'too little' for him and that he will keep his title.
Former UFC champion middleweight and now commentator Michael Bisping claimed that the approaching movement can be a 'big mistake' after the words of Della Maddalena.
“Jack says that Islam is too small for him, I think he has a point,” said Bisping on the Believe You Me podcast.
“He has a point because (Alexander Volkanovski) … is not a very big man, he is the man, but he is a smaller man, and he gave that first fight with Islam everything he can handle.
“Jack della Maddalena is not a small 170lber, so I think he has a point. It can be a big mistake for Islam to move to 170 pounds. It might be a bit a piece, but honest game for him, I respect it,” Bisping continued.
Islam Makhachev still noticing
Despite the fact that the Russian is moving to goodweight, there is still a chance that he can go back to 155 pounds at some point to accept 'El Matador'.
After the epic title profit of Topuria on UFC 317, it has saved the possibility that fans will see the superfight between Makhachev and the Spaniard, although Topuria does not think it will happen.