Amid claims he was forced to vacate his lightweight crown ahead of UFC 317, Islam Makhachev will never repeat the same fate as Conor McGregor. And that’s by design, according to a host of fans.
Makhachev, who is set to relinquish his lightweight crown at the end of the month, will do so once the main event of UFC 317 commences during International Fight Week.
Seeing former opponent Charles Oliveira return in his search for a second title reign in the division, the Brazilian will vie for the vacant crown opposite Makhachev’s recent rival, Ilia Topuria.
Himself set to make a welterweight leap toward the end of the year, pound-for-pound number one Makhachev will not be bringing his lightweight crown in tow with him, though.
And missing out on the chance to land a second title — held simultaneously like Daniel Cormier, and McGregor — it’s likely by design from promotional officials.
“Forced to vacate,” a user commented on a Reddit post discussing Makhachev’s future.
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A second user then claimed that UFC boss Dana White simply wants to put an end to power over promotion when it comes to double-weight champion status. The move could perhaps be an inspiration from the cautionary tale of McGregor.
“Nah, Dana (White) just doesn’t want another Conor (McGregor) on his hands,” they wrote. “They [the UFC] don’t want fighters to get bigger than the company, ’cause then they won’t have power over them.”
A third user suggested that the vacating of a title, a division lower or higher, makes super fights between two champions seem all the less significant.
“This makes perfect sense, but that’s not a good look on super fights,” the comment read.
Enjoying an unmatched run at lightweight in terms of title success, don’t expect Makhachev’s time at 155lbs to be over just yet, despite his move to welterweight.
Islam Makhachev planning lightweight return?
Making his intentions to still achieve two-weight champion status — held simultaneously – Makhachev took to social media this week to reiterate those plans.
“#DoubleChamp, everything is just beginning,” Makhachev posted on his official X account.
Makhachev most recently headlined UFC 311. And turning in a dominant opening round D’Arce choke submission win over Renato Moicano the Russian would enter his own elite group.
Surpassing training partner-turned-coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev became the first to successfully defend the championship belt on four separate occasions.
