Islam Makhachev has officially vacated his UFC lightweight championship to move up to the welterweight division, where he will challenge current champion Jack

After Belal Muhammad was dethroned by Jack Della Maddalena, Dagestani star Islam Makhachev had no hesitation moving up a weight class. In pursuit of a second belt, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title. Meanwhile, Spain’s Ilia Topuria — also chasing double-champ status — will now get his shot at lightweight gold this summer.

Anatoly Malykhin believes that Islam Makhachev’s lightweight dominance won’t just transfer over to the welterweight division. He believes that the pound-for-pound number one could also achieve the same success in the UFC’s middleweight division if he continued to move through weight classes.

Former UFC champ shuts down rumors of Islam Makhachev wishing Belal Muhammad to lose, clarifying his true stance and intentions.