Islam Makhachev shakes up UFC career with bold move amid Ilia Topuria buzz

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is rewriting his career playbook, pivoting from a blockbuster clash with surging star Ilia Topuria to chase a legacy-defining double championship. Fresh off his dominant UFC 302 submission of Dustin Poirier, Makhachev has set his sights on welterweight gold—a bold gamble that could sideline one of the most anticipated matchups in MMA.

But with Topuria’s camp pushing for a 155-pound showdown and Belal Muhammad’s upcoming title defense complicating plans, Makhachev’s next move hangs in the balance. What’s driving this high-stakes pivot? Let’s break it down.

Islam Makhachev’s welterweight gambit

Makhachev’s ambition to become a two-division champion is no secret. After defending his lightweight throne twice against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023, the Dagestani star argues he’s earned the chance to mirror his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s crossover dominance. But there’s a catch: The welterweight landscape is in flux.

Current champ Belal Muhammad, a longtime training ally of Islam Makhachev’s camp, is set to defend his belt against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on May 10. Sources reveal Makhachev is delaying his next move until after this fight, wary of jumping into a division with shifting power dynamics.

The hesitation throws cold water on fan hopes for a summer showdown with Ilia Topuria. The former featherweight king, now eyeing 155 pounds, has lobbied hard for a title shot, but Makhachev’s team seems unmoved.

Henry Cejudo recently speculated that Khabib—Makhachev’s coach and confidant—might insist Topuria prove himself at lightweight first. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s focus remains fixed on welterweight, even if it means bypassing a lucrative Topuria bout.

Ilia Topuria’s uphill battle

Ilia Topuria’s leap to lightweight hinges on securing a marquee name, and Islam Makhachev’s reluctance leaves him in limbo. While the Spaniard’s knockout artistry and unbeaten record make him a compelling challenger, the UFC’s matchmaking calculus favors legacy pursuits.

Makhachev’s dual-title quest aligns with the promotion’s love for “champ-champ” narratives, leaving Topuria to likely face a lower-ranked contender to cement his 155-pound credentials.

The Belal Factor

Muhammad’s injury-delayed title defense adds another layer of intrigue. Should he retain against Della Maddalena, a Makhachev clash would test both fighters’ loyalty—they’ve shared training mats in the past. If Della Maddalena upsets Muhammad, the welterweight division descends into chaos, potentially forcing Makhachev to recalibrate.

Either way, the Dagestani’s patience risks costing him a spot on June’s UFC International Fight Week card, as shortened prep time could nix the event.

Islam Makhachev’s gamble underscores a fighter torn between legacy and spectacle. While a Topuria bout promises fireworks, the allure of a second belt—and a chance to eclipse his mentor Khabib—proves irresistible. For now, the MMA world waits, eyes locked on May 10. Will Belal Muhammad hold the key to Makhachev’s destiny, or will Ilia Topuria’s buzz force a course correction? One thing’s certain: In the fight game, even champions can’t control every variable.