Khabib gives definitive answer on Islam Makhachev's possible change of category in the UFC: 'He wants it'

Islam makhachev e Khabib Nurmagomedov They are icons in the UFC lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

It seems that the dream of Islam makhachev becoming a two-time UFC champion will be on the back burner. Recently, the current lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) has shown interest in moving up to welterweight (up to 77 kg) and winning his second belt. However, his mentor and main coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, said that this will not happen — at least for now.

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In an interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khabib explained that, despite Makhachev's desire to change weight classes, the team does not intend to follow that path, as the current welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad |, is a very close friend. The former champion reinforced that, for them, friendship and personal values ​​are above the search for titles.

“Islam wants to fight at 77kg, but we can’t move up because Belal is the champion and he’s too close to us. We can’t trade our relationships for belts – that’s not who we are. Those who offer us this simply don’t look at the things we do, so we have different views on this case. I really want Belal to win with all my heart,” Nurmagomedov said.

The answer about a possible migration of Islam makhachev for the welterweights should start to be drawn on May 10th, when Belal Muhammad | will put his belt on the line against Jack Della Maddalena, in the main fight of the UFC 315.