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via Imago

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via Imago

Islam Makhachev has the UFC world buzzing—and not just because of his skills in the cage. After Jack Della Maddalena’s stunning win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, the reigning lightweight champion immediately declared his next goal: to become a double champion. The welterweight title is officially in his sights, and the possibility of the Dagestani facing Della Maddalena has fans, fighters, and even UFC brass on edge with excitement. However, while the potential for a superfight exists, so do the consequences, and one UFC legend has broken it all down for us while also providing a possible solution.

Michael Bisping isn’t criticizing Makhachev’s dream. In fact, he is all in on the superfight. “So this situation here—of Islam moving up—is great, and it’s going to be a super fight, and I cannot wait for it,” Bisping explained on his YouTube channel. However, the former middleweight champion made it clear that when one man dominates two classes, the rest of the roster suffers. “However, the ramifications in two divisions—it does slow things down,” he said. And that is the issue that the UFC must now address: how to keep two weight classes moving while one man attempts to hold both championships.

‘The Count’ revealed three viable options. “So the question is—what do we do with the lightweight championship? Does Islam get stripped, or does he just hold on to it and get the chance to become a two-weight division champion? Or do they bring in an interim belt?” Well, it looks like each road has its own repercussions, but his tone made it clear that sitting still is not an option. After all, fighters in the lightweight division, such as Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, are eager for their opportunity, and keeping them waiting forever could derail their momentum. “Strip him, interim champ, or forget both of them,” Bisping declared, outlining the UFC’s only options.

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However, the veteran did more than just highlight the problem; he also proposed what he believes to be the cleanest solution. So, what did he say? “I would say—let the man move up. Let Charles Oliveira versus Ilia fight in the meantime, and the winner of that fight becomes the number one contender.” This can be an option for Dana White. No fuss or unnecessary delays, just a precise route that permits ‘The Dagestani’ to pursue greatness without freezing the landscape behind him.

And if Islam Makhachev succeeds? “Fantastic,” Bisping said. “And if he doesn’t—then so what? He takes on Ilia when he’s done with Charles Oliveira.” It’s a reasonable approach in a situation that may quickly spiral into chaos. Currently, the UFC is at a fork in the road. On the one hand, there’s talk of a potential double-champ era. On the other hand, there’s the reality of two packed divisions and a slew of frustrated contenders.

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USA Today via Reuters

Michael Bisping, who has been in the trenches himself, advocates for balance. Allow the superfight to take place, but don’t allow the rest of the roster to suffer as a result. It is up to Dana White and his team to determine whether they will risk greatness or prioritize structure. In any case, the next move will have long-term implications for both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. So, what does Dana White think about the situation? Well, he did answer Jack Della Maddalena’s question about the first title defense.

Dana White sheds some light on the Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev fight

Michael Bisping’s worries about the ramifications of Islam Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions led fans to appeal to the UFC’s top management for guidance. Would Dana White tighten down and restore order in the lightweight category, or would he allow the Dagestani to pursue two-division glory?

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What’s your perspective on:

Will Makhachev's double-champ dream elevate UFC or create chaos in the lightweight and welterweight divisions?

Have an interesting take?

While the UFC CEO was oddly absent from the post-fight press conference at UFC 315, it turned out he had previously said more than enough, just not in public. Behind the scenes, he was having a far more relaxed but telling conversation with the new welterweight champion himself.

Backstage, fresh off his exhausting five-round victory, Jack Della Maddalena got right to work. He did not wait for the hoopla to subside. In a quiet moment on the phone with Dana White and matchmaker Hunter Campbell, the Aussie sold the UFC boss what fans already wanted: Islam Makhachev in Perth.

“Islam Makhachev is next, right? In Perth?” While the head honcho did not reject it outright, he also did not give it his full blessing. Just a calm “We’ll get this figured out.” But sometimes, that is all you need. The door is wide open, and both men seem ready to walk through. So, as the rankings stay frozen and contenders wait for clarity, the next significant step appears already in motion.

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The champion wants it. Islam Makhachev wants it. Dana White isn’t standing in the way. And, despite Bisping’s warnings, the UFC may actually embrace the chaos. Because when you have a hot new champion and a lightweight king yearning for history, sometimes the best strategy is to let the mayhem unfold. What do you think? Do you want this fight to happen? Let us know in the comments.

 

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"Will Makhachev's double-champ dream elevate UFC or create chaos in the lightweight and welterweight divisions?"

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