UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev's recently confirmed departure from the weight class is something he has been thinking about for a while.
The reign of Makhachev will come to an end this year, with the Dagestani hunter who left the title of 155 pounds in the pursuit of a new challenge in Welterweight.
In the midst of a super fight against former featherweight Kingpin Ilia Topuria, Makhachev has chosen instead to shoot for two -division glory after the removal of his friend and incidental training partner Belal Muhammad of the throne at 170 pounds.
For fans of MMA, CEO of UFC Dana White's announcement of the news on Tuesday, probably did not come as a shock, given the frequent talk of Makhachev about saying goodbye to his horrible weight cut at lightweight.
However, it appears that the thoughts of the 33-year-old about that career change existed much further than the start of his championship government.
– Most UFC -light weight title extraction (5) – Most total and consecutive UFC -light weight title defenses (4) – Second longest profit streak in UFC history (15)
Islam Makhachev's UFC Lightweight Reign comes to an end when he leaves the title and moves to Welterweight to challenge Jack … pic.twitter.com/5kgmol8pwww
– UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) 13 May 2025
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Josh Thomson claims that Makhacheve spoke for years about a good weight switch years before he disputed the title.
During a recent episode of his ways in Podcast alongside veteran MMA referee John McCarthy, former Strikeforce champion and UFC hunter Josh Thomson responded to the Makhakev title holiday.
Thomson – a teammate of Makhachev's on the American Kickboxing Academy during his fighting days – claimed that the Dagestani expressed the wish to get into the back of the American's career.
The 46-year-old hung his gloves after a 2-1 point under the Bellator MMA banner in 2017.
“I have to be honest with you, he has a long time left and just gets tired of cutting the weight,” said Thomson.
“This was back, as when I just finished fighting. He says,” Brother, I don't know how long I can do this weight class. “
Thomson continued by assessing how Makhachev could continue for so long on light years after his first doubts about competing in the division.
“See how long he has been doing it! Success does that for you. You find ways to keep doing what you do if you have good luck. … He has nothing to win at 155 anymore [pounds]. “
Makhachev's lightweight successor will be Charles Oliveira or Ilia Topuria
With the plan of Makhachev to do not flourish two UFC titles at the same time, a new champion will soon be crowned.
In addition to confirming that the Russian will challenge Jack della Maddalena's new won Welterweight Gold later this year, White also revealed the Makhachev's vacancy calls.
In the main event of UFC 317, Topuria and Charles Oliveira will close the International Vechtweek with a battle for the lightweight title.
While the Spaniard has his sights on success in a second division after leaving the featherweight band this year, his Brazilian pear chases a second lightweight championship after he did not improve in 2022.
The couple is at the top of a line -up that currently contains a different title fight, in addition to a large number of prominent contenders:
- Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria (UFC Lightweight Title)
- Alexandre Pantoja (C) vs. Kai Kara-France (UFC Flyweight Title)
- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov (middleweight)
- Beneil Dariush vs. Renato Moicano (lightweight)
- Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa (heavyweight)
- Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape (Flying weight)
- Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues (middleweight)
- Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez (Fly weight for women)
It is expected that more attacks will be announced for the Line -up in the coming weeks, because the UFC is preparing for its annual summer spectacle in Las Vegas.