UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev`s last title defense took place in January, where he secured a victory over last-minute replacement Renato Moicano in Los Angeles. However, he has yet to finalize plans for his next title defense. According to Diego Lima, who manages and coaches 155-pound contender Charles Oliveira, Makhachev faces a clear choice: either defend his championship or relinquish it.
Reports indicate Makhachev is currently awaiting the outcome of the UFC 315 welterweight title bout scheduled for May 10. In this fight, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, a friend of Makhachev, will defend his belt against Jack Della Maddalena. Speculation suggests that if Maddalena wins, Makhachev might consider moving up in weight to challenge for the 170-pound strap.
When asked to evaluate the situation from a general UFC perspective, rather than solely as Oliveira`s manager, Lima maintained that establishing an interim belt would be a logical step.
Lima stated, “If Makhachev decides to move up, then he effectively forfeits the belt. It`s a situation similar to Ilia Topuria. I anticipate the UFC will require him to make a decision. If he commits to fighting at 170, then an interim title needs to be created. You cannot indefinitely halt an entire division. Personally, I find the idea of pausing a whole weight class unacceptable.”
He elaborated, “When an athlete transitions to a higher weight class, they typically must either vacate their current belt or an interim championship is introduced. If a fighter delays in deciding their next move for too long, it signals that it`s time for an interim belt. The division must continue to progress. Fighters invest significant effort to reach the championship, and once they get there, they shouldn`t simply `sit` on the belt. That`s not how it should work.”
Following his win against Michael Chandler in November, Oliveira`s initial plan was to be ready as a potential backup fighter for the planned Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight in January. However, Lima mentioned that the UFC informed them a backup wouldn`t be required. When Tsarukyan unexpectedly withdrew just hours before the weigh-ins, Moicano was subsequently moved from another bout on the card to challenge for the title on short notice.
Oliveira, known as “Do Bronx,” later began lobbying for a rematch with Makhachev, aiming for the traditional International Fight Week card in Las Vegas in late June, or alternatively, a challenge against Max Holloway for the BMF title. While Makhachev`s next opponent remains unconfirmed, Holloway is now set to face Dustin Poirier in what is anticipated to be Poirier`s final mixed martial arts appearance at UFC 318 on July 19.
The championship landscape becomes even more intricate with the entry of Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title to pursue opportunities in the lightweight division. Makhachev has publicly suggested that Topuria should first earn a shot at 155 pounds by defeating a ranked contender. Oliveira, in turn, has voiced his willingness to fight Topuria, particularly if an interim lightweight strap were at stake.
Commenting on Topuria`s situation, Lima remarked, “While I`m not Topuria`s manager, if I were, I wouldn`t advise my fighter to vacate a belt and risk moving up without a defined objective or prior negotiation. I would ensure the move upwards was made with a specific goal and potentially a negotiation in place. I`m not certain if that`s what Topuria did. There are many aspects of this situation that are not yet public knowledge.”
Regarding Makhachev, Lima noted, “He`s repeatedly mentioned his desire to move up.” He continued, “The title stands between Charles and Makhachev, and securing that title is our primary goal. However, reaching the belt currently involves navigating two complexities. Firstly, the outcome of Belal Muhammad`s fight will influence potential future plans. Secondly, there`s the situation with Topuria, and the details surrounding any agreements or reasons for him vacating his belt and moving up a division are unclear.”
Wesley Dunham