Islam Makhachev has dominated the lightweight division, but his recent words indicate he may be looking beyond 155 pounds. The UFC lightweight champion recently hinted at the idea of skipping welterweight and stepping straight to middleweight to face Dricus du Plessis. However, Khamzat Chimaev, who is already the next in line for the 185-pound crown, is not pleased with the plan and has some words to share.

Addressing Islam Makhachev’s potential jump, Khamzat Chimaev made it clear that he doesn’t see the UFC allowing such an unprecedented move. He told the media at an ACA event in Krasnodar, Russia, “If he wants to, let him do it. If it’s Du Plessis or not, Islam can fight anyone. It’s just about his capabilities. I will fight anyone I want as well. If Islam gets his shot, let him fight for it. If not, what can I say? I don’t think they will let him jump two weight divisions. He’d better fight at 170, this is my opinion. As for 185, I’m the king here for now.”

Islam Makhachev’s success at lightweight has prompted speculation about his next challenge, but a direct move to middleweight is quite an unusual one. With ‘Borz’ already positioned as Du Plessis’ next challenger, he’s making it obvious that he won’t let anyone. That includes the reigning champion from another division, as he would stop him from grabbing his opportunity without a fight.

The UFC now faces an unusual situation. Will Makhachev’s aspirations be met, or will he feel forced to defend his title before taking on a new challenge? Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev‘s response sends a strong message. He’s ready for his middleweight title fight and will not let Makhachev cross the line. However, Makhachev isn’t the only one who recently found himself in the crosshair of ‘Borz,’ as Sean Strickland too learned things the hard way.

Khamzat Chimaev mocks Sean Strickland for his looks

It didn’t take long for Khamzat Chimaev to respond to Sean Strickland’s attack. The American ignored Dricus du Plessis, middleweight champion, and set his sights on ‘Borz’, questioning him for his friendship with Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic. However, the Russian did not get carried away and counterattacked his opponent.

Through three posts, Chimaev mocked Strickland’s new look, questioned why he complained so much, and posted an image of him in his youth with a man, supposedly his father, recalling the rival’s troubled relationship with his father. The American has stated more than once that he had a traumatic childhood and that his father was abusive, both mentally and physically.

Not satisfied, the Russian also highlighted the former UFC champion’s losses, clearly intent on minimizing his quality as an MMA fighter. “Why are you baby crying all the time? father didn’t give you love or he showed his love to you too much? More defeats than victories,” wrote the fighter. It would be interesting to see if ‘Borz’ gets into similar trash-talk with Islam Makhachev for his middleweight move. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.