Islam Makhachev is officially done with the lightweight division. The reigning champion has made the call to vacate his belt in order to move up and challenge for the welterweight title. The decision marks a major shift in the UFC’s championship picture heading into the summer.
A strategic move triggered by UFC 315
Makhachev’s choice comes just days after Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to become the new welterweight champion. According to Makhachev’s longtime manager Ali Abdelaziz, this result opened the door. Had Muhammad kept the title, Makhachev would have stayed put out of loyalty. But with Maddalena now holding the belt, the path became clear.
“Islam has dominated the lightweight division for years,” said Abdelaziz. “He has nothing left to prove there.”
With a 15-fight win streak and high-profile wins over Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Dan Hooker, Makhachev leaves the division at the peak of his dominance.
Lightweight title up for grabs at UFC 317
The vacant 155-pound championship will now be on the line at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. Ilia Topuria will take on former champ Charles Oliveira in what is expected to be a high-stakes main event. Topuria, who recently moved up from featherweight, wasted no time calling out Makhachev for not staying to defend against him. He now has a shot to claim the belt and reset the lightweight hierarchy.
Makhachev’s next target is clear
There is no date yet for Makhachev’s welterweight debut, but all signs point to a title bout with Maddalena before the end of the year. Abdelaziz says the move up is not just about chasing history, but about showing how dangerous Makhachev really is without cutting to 155 pounds.
“He is stronger at this weight. More explosive. You will see the best version of Islam when he fights at welterweight,” said Abdelaziz.
The camp also believes that despite leaving the division, Makhachev remains the lineal lightweight king. He was never beaten for the belt and walked away on his own terms.
Two titles in two divisions?
Should he win, Makhachev would join a short list of fighters to hold UFC titles in two weight classes. For now, he says the focus is on preparing for the size and pressure that come with welterweight competition.
UFC fans are now watching closely. The lightweight division has a new chapter starting in June. And just above it, the welterweight picture is about to get a major shakeup.
