Table of Contents
Dana White Urges Champion to Get Title
Multiple UFC fighters have won titles in two weight classes, but Dana White does not often approve of this.
Yet, if a champion is as successful as Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division, White is likely to allow them to pursue titles in a different weight class. Makhachev has clearly stated his intention to transition to welterweight in pursuit of a title in the 170-pound division.
White is now ready to allow Makhachev to pursue his next target, but only after he defends his title against Arman Tsarukyan in January, probably at UFC 311. During the Power Slap post-event press conference, White was questioned whether he would permit Makhachev to go up in weight class if he defeats Tsarukyan.
Dana White Remarks
“Absolutely,” White said.
White has held on to the belief that Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the UFC over Makhachev. White has put light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira ahead of Makhachev in his pound-for-pound rankings.
However, if Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Tsarukyan, moves up to welterweight, and becomes a champion at 170 pounds, it would appear Makhachev would become White’s new pound champion.
Should Makhachev beat Tsarukyan, he will set a new record for the most UFC lightweight title defenses. Makhachev’s teacher Khabib Nurmagomedov, Benson Henderson and BJ Penn each defended their titles three times successfully.
Following Tsarukyan, there are only a small number of fighters left in the 155-pound division that Makhachev has not yet defeated. Makhachev has defeated every fighter in the Top 5 except for Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway.
A potential match against Gaethje seems unlikely, given his recent devastating defeat to Holloway at UFC 300. Holloway challenges Ilia Topuria for the UFC featherweight title in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.
If Holloway comes out victorious, there will be a lot of people pushing for him to have a chance against Makhachev if he wants to step up in competition. With that being said, Topuria has expressed his wish to go up to the lightweight division in order to compete for a title at 155 pounds.
The outcome of the main event at UFC 308 may influence Makhachev’s future opportunities. It appears evident that White will not obstruct Makhachev’s decision.
Check Out: ITV removes Palestine supporting image on Big Brother Show
