When a UFC fighter has performed to the best of their ability in their weight division, they often move up. Fighters like Dustin Poirier, Daniel Cormier, and Thiago Santos are examples of those who succeeded after making the decision to move up. Additionally, one of the common questions that UFC fighters hear a lot is if they are planning to shift their weight class. They are frequently asked this question when they experience a professional upswing or downturn. The same question was posed to Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion.

Makhachev, however, had the ideal response to the challenging query. It was evident from his statements that the champion had a specific plan for his MMA career.

Islam Makhachev not planning to move up

While Makhachev was in an interview with RSports Russia, he was asked about his plan to move to welterweight. The Russian fighter took a moment and said that he considered it an important question. As an answer to the question raised by RSports Russia, the UFC star said, “Let me tell you this: This topic is relevant. I like to compete, I like to fight strong fighters. I love big fights. Whoever is the welterweight champion, it’s going to be a huge fight. I’m very interested. But in 2023, there are worthy opponents in my division with whom I still have to meet.“ Makhachev still strongly believes that he still has great fighters in his current division to defeat.

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It is evident that even the welterweight fighters are waiting for Makhachev to join them. Leon Edwards, the current UFC welterweight champion, has publicly stated his desire to compete against the Russian fighter. Prior to his UFC 286 fight, Edwards voiced his wish during the press conference. However, the admirers are now impatiently awaiting February 12.

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On February 12, Alexander Volkanovski will compete against the current lightweight champion. There is no doubt that the two will ignite a fire inside the octagon. ‘The Great’ has a record of 25-1, while Makhachev has a record of 23 victories and 1 loss. Given their previous encounters, this battle will be exciting to watch as the fiercest competitors go head-to-head.

The future of the champ

Makhachev’s last bout in the octagon was against Charles Oliveira, where ‘Do Bronx’ was forced to submit with his arm triangle choke. When Makhachev was the opponent, even the toughest fighters like Oliveira had to submit. Makhachev has already stated his intention to fight until he feels the fire within him.

He made it plain that he won’t give up until his will to succeed wanes. The fans can hope that the Russian fighter will continue to fight in the coming years and the UFC community can expect a possible move-up decision.

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