Being the P4P (Pound-for-Pound) #1 fighter means being ready to compete whenever the promotion arranges a fight. This is exactly what Islam Makhachev demonstrated when he submitted Renato Moicano in the very first round to defend his lightweight title for a record-setting fourth time. Immediately, after the victory, Charles Oliveira came forward to assert that he would be clashing against Makhachev for a rematch to dethrone him from the 155 lbs title, however, this might never happen as the UFC CEO Dana White has a different plan for him.

According to Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, the UFC has different plans for the lightweight champion and it doesn’t include either Arman Tsarukyan or Charles Oliveira. “The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam which doesn’t include Oliveira, Arman, or Ilias. But it’s an unpredictable sport and you don’t know what could happen.”

So what does the UFC plan for the lightweight champion if it isn’t Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan? Well, Islam Makhachev won’t clash against Belal Muhammad, who is the welterweight champion because of friendship and he won’t retire from the sport till he becomes a double-champ. So, what is left for him? According to many within the promotion, the UFC might choose to add a 165 lbs division in the future.

In addition, they might move the welterweight limit to 175 lbs. This change would address the gap between lightweight and welterweight while making weight cuts easier for fighters. Well, there has been no confirmation about this from the UFC head honcho Dana White, however, it must be noted that they are planning something big for Islam Makhachev.

Interestingly, at the post-fight press conference, the Dagestani expressed his willingness to clash against Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title, “Yeah, I can be three-division [champion]. Just give me the chance, that’s it. I will fight with Du Plessis. If they give me the chance, I will fight him. I swear, if Dana White sends the contract, I will fight him,” said Makhachev. The Dagestani has ambitious plans for his future, however, the fans might be a bit divided over his approach.

Fans stand divided over speculation about Islam Makhachev’s 165 lbs move

A fan pointed out that the current 15-pound difference between the two weight classes is challenging for fighters. But they explained that it would make it too easy for fighters to cut weight and compete in the new weight class unless the welterweight limit is upped to 175 lbs. According to the fan, this idea is unrealistic and unlikely to happen.“15 lbs between the two weight classes is kinda rough i don’t hate this idea. but i also feel like 5 lbs between this hypothetical division and welterweight is very close as well.”

Charles Oliveira roared, “He is the champion. He did what he had to do. But I’m next, and he knows that. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira. I’m ready for that,” after the fight. Arman Tsarukyan emphasized that he would eventually clash with Makhachev even if he had to fight his way up there again. Both of the lightweight stalwarts are looking to crossroads with the champion and amidst this, a fan has a rather compelling question, “Then who will he fight if not charles arman.” Interestingly, a social media user has a unique proposition for the lightweight champion, “fight connor at 165.”

However, a fan believes that a separate weight division for Islam Makhachev will not be possible, “170 and 165 are too close, this would never happen.” Furthermore, more fans voice out their opinion about a new weight division, “Nope! Dana is not gonna fix something that isn’t broke. The UFC is perfect the way it is now. I dont know why people are so obsessed with 165 and 175lbs.”

Last but not the least, a social media user believes that the separate division should have happened years ago, “They should have done this years ago. When GSP was around.”

With Islam Makhachev at the helm of the lightweight division, the UFC CEO may give him what he wants but what exactly will it be? What are your thoughts on it? State your opinion in the comments below.