UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev has yet to make good on a long-mooted return this summer. In search of a further record-extending win at 155lb, the Dagestani has a massive fight on the horizon. Whether it would be against Charles Oliveira, Ilia Topuria, or Justin Gaethje is the debate.
However, for weeks now, the pound-for-pound number one has been tied to the 170 lbs division. If champion Belal Muhammad loses his title at UFC 315 against Jack Della Maddalena, Islam is expected to jump up. A problem, however, would surface if he decides to pursue a double-champ status.
And, according to Oliveira’s team, that’s a big NO. Diego Lima, the head coach of the Brazilian’s camp, asserts that by no means should Islam be allowed to hold two titles at the same time.
According to Lima, Islam should give up his lightweight title to fight in the welterweight category. He insisted that the UFC would compel him to do just that.
“If Makhachev moves up [to welterweight], then he loses the belt,” Lima told MMA Fighting.
“It’s like Topuria. I think the UFC will ask him to choose. If he says, ‘I’ll fight [at welterweight], then they [the UFC] have to create an interim [title],” he added.
Lima believes that the UFC brass can’t simply let one fighter put the division on hold. The promotion, after all, is a ‘Shark Tank’ when it comes to depth of top-tier talent and title challengers.
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“When an athlete goes up, he has to either drop his belt or create an interim. When a fighter starts to take too long thinking [about] what they will do, then it’s time to create an interim“, Lima pointed out.
As far as Oliveira is concerned, the Brazilian is steadfast that he is fighting for the title next, be it against Makhachev or someone else. Or he’s not fighting at all.
Oliveira offers ultimatum to Makhachev
The Brazilian lost his title to Makhachev at UFC 280 in 2022. And Oliveira believes he warrants a try at redemption. So, he’s now offering the Russian a stick-or-twist situation.
“I’m looking for the title,” Oliveira said during an interview with Portal do Vale Tudo.
“I don’t run away from anyone, I never have. I’m not going to run away now. I’m ready to fight any of these guys. I respect them all, but I’m going to set my own pace and my own game,” the former lightweight champion added.
Oliveira is open to a fight with Topuria as well. The Spaniard has been slagging off Oliveira on social media and in podcasts for weeks now. The former lightweight champion would love nothing more than to see if Topuria’s body can cash checks his mouth has been writing.
But Oliveira is only willing to do it if it’s for the 155lb title. “If it’s for the title, why not fight Topuria? I’m looking for the title,” he continued.
“I don’t want to fight another fight just to wait for the title, no. That doesn’t interest me. I want to fight for the title,” Oliveira confirmed.
Of course, Makhachev still has to book his comeback. But it appears time is running out on his options if he wants to keep his lightweight crown.
