Islam Makhachev’s Welterweight Move Cited to Be Against Dana White’s Interests as Insider Goes Bold- “UFC Just Hates”

Will Islam Makhachev go to welterweight to challenge the champion himself? A champion versus champion fight is something of a massive spectacle for any promotion. The Dagestani has shown confidence in his capability to beat the winner of Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington. And now, we know that the one who walked in as champion walked out as champion.

However, for Makhachev to leave the lightweight division poses a little bit of an issue. At least, that’s what this UFC insider claims. According to him, having two belts is great, but Makhachev may have to vacate his lightweight belt in order to fight Edwards.

Islam Makhachev vs Leon Edwards poses difficulties for UFC

Well, if Chael Sonnen is to be believed, Islam Makhachev won’t return to lightweight if he wins at 170 pounds. And that could mean a vacated title for the division. However, Makhachev could also choose to retain both of his belts and fight whoever challenges him.

It’s nothing that hasn’t been done before in the UFC. However, the risk of a vacant belt always poses a unique problem that’s much hated by Dana White and the promotion. Why? Because it brings about two number one contenders. Here’s what Sonnen said.

“The big problem with Islam going from 55 to 70 is now you leave 55 and if he wins at 70 he never returns to 55,” Chael Sonnen said in a latest video. “You got a vacated belt which the UFC just hates. I like it. Personally I think it’s fun now you have a parody, now you don’t just have a number one contender, you have two number one contenders.”

Sonnen talked about how he personally liked the situation. It adds to the thrill and the fun of an otherwise seen-before matchup. However, he added that UFC head honcho Dana White may just not be the biggest fan of this situation. “I personally like when we find ourselves in that situation, the UFC does not, specifically Dana White just doesn’t like that.” So will it actually come through?

Islam Makhachev on going to welterweight

Islam Makhachev has been outspoken about his goals to go out there and become a two-division champion. That’s clearly what’s next for him in his mind. And going after Leon Edwards makes a lot of sense for the wrestler who believes he can take down ‘Rocky’.

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Makhachev told ESPN that he can likely beat both Colby Covington and Edwards. While the current reigning champion gave no heed to the Dagestani’s claims, ‘Chaos’ responded by dragging Makhachev’s name through the mud. Now, Covington is far away from the belt and Makhachev is preparing to take on his next fight. Is it possible for him to go to welterweight? Unless Dana White allows it, all hell can freeze over.

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