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Saturday, Feb 01, 2025

Dana White Pushes Back at Islam Makhachev’s Recent Comments About Middleweight Run

Islam Makhachev (left)(image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Islam Makhachev has floated the idea of moving up to middleweight to pursue another title. But, similar to others, Dana White isn’t questioning whether the lightweight champ could be a force at 185 pounds.

Following Makhachev’s submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, the renowned fighter reported he thinks he could challenge for the middleweight belt. Makhachev has talked about pursuing the welterweight title in the past. But, Makhachev’s friend and teammate Belal Muhammad holds that belt currently.

Ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia, White was asked to respond to Makhachev’s recent comments about moving up to middleweight. The UFC CEO pushed back on the idea (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“He would move up to middleweight? Yeah, I don’t know about that,” White said. “Listen, if he wants to move up to 170 (pounds), we can talk. But moving up to 185 is a whole other level.”

With his win at UFC 311, the 33-year-old Makhachev (27-1) broke his friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record for most lightweight title defenses. The Dagestani star has defended the belt four times.

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posted by FCF Staff @ 11:11 am
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