UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has mentioned his wish to fight Leon Edwards for the welterweight title on several occasions. As such, recent images on social media have indicated that the Dagestani native could be in a bulking process. This has supposedly put Dana White in a predicament as fans expressed their thoughts on a possible showdown between the lightweight and welterweight champions at UFC 300.

Islam Makhachev has made a lot of impact in the lightweight division since he joined the UFC. Since early 2023, he has been voicing his urge to fight for the welterweight title, and now looks to be adding a considerable amount of muscle for the same. Meanwhile, fans have shown to have varying takes on this situation, which was apparent on social media.

Fans share mixed reactions to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title aspirations at UFC 300

The fans on social media had different opinions on Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protégé’s ask for a fight against Leon Edwards at UFC 300. Having witnessed the change in his physique through the viral images, some fans believe that Islam Makhachev could be walking around 200 lbs during the off-season. Furthermore, they believe that the UFC may need to pay Edwards well to convince him to fight the Dagestan native.

“He walks around at like 200, he’s never small”

“You gonna have to give Leon 300 million”

There were others who did not think that Islam Makhachev had earned the right to a welterweight title shot. Nevertheless, that could be an exciting fight. On the other hand, having Makhachev and Edwards in the main event of UFC 300 could be a bad idea, according to a certain section of fans.

“I wouldn’t be mad about tbh. Has he earned a shot at that though? I wouldn’t say he’s cleared his division to really make a case for it..”

“Leon vs Islam would be a huge bust. I would not pay a dime to watch that boring a** fight.”

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Moreover, some fans argued that Islam Makhachev did not make much of an impact against his former rival, Alexander Volkanovski. Also, they want the 30-year-old to defend the lightweight title against real lightweights like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and even Michael Chandler, who’s in the run for a Conor McGregor fight. Meanwhile, some fans are afraid that Makhachev only fights whenever he’s called to headline Abu Dhabi.

“he barely beat fully trained volkanovski he has no chance against the guy with the most aesthetic physique”

“Defend against DP, Gaethje, Chandler, and Oliveira p.2. Then he can have a shot at double champ”

“He only fights in Abu Dhabi, also first defend your LW TITLE against an actual LW”

The passionate fans of the UFC have shown to have varying opinions about Islam Makhacheav’s next step. However, his employer and UFC CEO, Dana White, has already made up his mind regarding the situation.

Dana White has no welterweight plans for Makhachev

According to certain speculations, Dana White has refused to give in to Islam Makahcev’s demand for a title shot against Leon Edwards. This could put Belal Muhammad in a better position to get the title shot that many people think is a deserving one. For Makhachev, Dana White wants to see him stay in the lightweight division.

Furthermore, the UFC CEO wants Islam Makhachev to defend his title a few more times. With many contenders lined up, the champion may have to put his demands on hold. However, Dana White did not dismiss the possibility of a welterweight title fight in the future for Khabib’s protégé.

Islam Makhachev has yet to defend the title against the fighters in his decision since defeating Charles Oliveira to win the championship. Hence, title defenses are not out of the question. It remains to be seen what Dana White ends up announcing for Makhachev as we wait to see what the main event of UFC 300 shapes up to be.

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