Amid continued links to a potential welterweight move in pursuit of a chance to become a two-weight champion in the UFC, lightweight kingpin, Islam Makhachev could conceivably secure spoils as high as the middleweight limit, with his coach, claiming it would not be an “issue” for the Russian star.
Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the banner of the promotion, will make his return in just weeks time atop UFC 311, headlining the promotion’s return to Los Angeles in a flagship setting.
Booking a rematch clash in California, Makhachev will rekindle his rivalry with number one ranked Armenian foe, Arman Tsarukyan, with the surging challenger afforded the chance to avenge a 2019 decision loss in what came as his Octagon debut against the current champion.