Current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has his sights set on his future priorities. Even before his upcoming UFC 302 fight against Dustin Poirier, he’s already established future goals, indicating his ambition to compete beyond the lightweight division.

Known for his discipline and positive mindset, Islam Makhachev, a key member of Khabib’s team, revealed his plans in a recent interview. Sitting atop the lightweight division, he seems unfazed by potential challengers. His sight is set on moving up to welterweight to face Leon Edwards but with one key condition.

What’s Islam Makhachev’s condition for moving to Welterweight?

In a recent interview on the popular MMA podcast “WEIGHING IN, hosted by Big John McCarthy and Josh “The Punk” Thomson, Islam Makhachev discussed the rise of Arman Tsarukyan and how he sees him as a fresh challenge in the lightweight division. He also addressed the rumor surrounding his potential move to welterweight to fight Leon Edwards.

Makhachev expressed his desire. He said, “I have just Arman because this guy has a seven-fight win streak. He beat tough guys and is number one in the ranking. After him, I think all the job is done in my division because I don’t have any interesting fights left.”

He didn’t stop there. Expressing his excitement about Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev continued, “I’m excited to fight because they all beat each other. After Arman, my plan is to jump to the welterweight division.” However, his move to welterweight remains uncertain. Despite his recent comments, Islam Mkahachev’s coach previously denied allowing him to compete in that weight category.

The coach explains why Makhachev won’t fight for the UFC welterweight title

Islam Makhachev has harbored the long-term ambition of becoming a double champion. Achieving two UFC titles simultaneously is a rare feat, with only a handful of fighters accomplishing it in the organization’s history. Conor McGregor and Alex Pereira are prime examples. However, Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mandez, appears to have different plans for his path forward.

During his interview with Helen Yee on YouTube, Cocah Mandez explained why the UFC won’t let Makhachev join the welterweight division. He said, “The UFC I’m sure they gotta have the lightweight title resolution taken care of by the next title challenger. So I don’t think that’s gonna happen.”

However, Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mandez. remains hopeful about the welterweight move in the future. Once Makhachev defends his lightweight against another contender, the possibility could become reality, offering a glimmer of hope for Makhachev and his fans worldwide. If he achieves this, he’ll accomplish something Khabib Nurmagomedov never did in his career.

Would you like to see Islam Makhachev move up to Welterweight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!