Kenny Florian warns Islam Makhachev that the power feels different in the UFC welterweight division. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) has vacated his lightweight title to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA,

There are a few strands to the conspiracy which has been spreading on social media. The first is an apparent text exchange between Makhachev and Muhammad in which the former light

Islam Makhachev did not root for Belal Muhammad to lose the UFC welterweight title, says one Hall of Famer and color commentator.

Makhachev did also tweet words of encouragement to Muhammad, but it was overlooked by many. Cormier defended Makhachev amidst accusations that he was hoping for Muhammad's demise, chalking it up to Buckley just trying to insert himself into the title picture.

Belal Muhammad's UFC 315 loss may have ruined plans for an Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria superfight, claims his manager.

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

The UFC Lightweight Champion and pound-for-pound #1 fighter on the planet has been thinking about a move to welterweight for a while and now that his friend Belal Muhammad is off the throne, it’s time for him to finally swoop in.

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.

Islam Makhachev’s next move to welterweight has stirred up strong reactions across the MMA world, sparking debates about the future of one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. Fans Concerned Over Islam Makhachev’s Activity and Division Logjam Following Belal Muhammad’s loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315,