Khamzat Chimaev is not quite sure about Islam Makhachev’s jump to the middleweight division. Controlling proceedings in the UFC lightweight division, Makhachev has been the undisputed king. Following his easy victory over Renato Moicano, claims of the Dagestani surpassing his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, gained pace. However, unlike Khabib, Makhachev is willing to venture out into other weight classes.
In recent times, the lightweight champion has expressed his wish to fight in the middleweight division. But Khamzat Chimaev has questioned such a decision. He does not think the UFC would be willing to let him jump two weight classes right away.
“I don’t think they’ll let him jump two weight divisions. He’d better fight at 170,” Chimaev stated while speaking with ‘Red Corner MMA.’ He further added, “As for 185, I’m the king here for now.
Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Islam Makhachev showing interest in moving up to 185:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 9, 2025
“I don’t think they’ll let him jump two weight divisions. He’d better fight at 170…
As for 185, I’m the king here for now.” 👀
🎥 @RedCorner_MMA #UFC #MMA
pic.twitter.com/rhMXi5L4mO
Well, before making his move, Makhachev will probably have to fight one or two more lightweight opponents. For example, there is Arman Tsarukyan, who has been waiting in the wings for a long time. Charles Oliveira, too, challenged Makhachev for his title recently. Meanwhile, it looks like Khamzat Chimaev is right. Dana White recently had a sly response to Makhachev’s 185 lbs aspirations.
Dana White Wants Islam Makhachev To Try 170 lbs Division First
The UFC head honcho Dana White was presented with the idea of Islam Makhachev going up to middleweight. While the prospect of Makhachev fighting the likes of Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev looks interesting, White seemed quite skeptical about the same. In a recent media interaction, the UFC boss reflected on what Makhachev’s future might look like.
“I don’t know about that. If he wants to move up to 170 we can talk, moving up to 185 is a whole other level,” said White.
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Dana White reacts to Islam Makhachev saying he’d be willing to move up to 185 to fight Dricus du Plessis:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 30, 2025
“I don’t know about that. If he wants to move up to 170 we can talk, moving up to 185 is a whole other level.”
🎥 @ufc #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/0bbdUfRm9z
Moreover, Dricus Du Plessis too, has already issued a warning to Islam Makhachev. All in all, it looks like the Dagestani’s move to venture into a different weight division might be a tad bit challenging as of now.
Also Read: UFC Veteran Chimes In With Surprising Take On Potential Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev Fight
