Khamzat Chimaev Challenges Islam Makhachev Will Never Move Up to Middleweight

Although Islam Makhachev’s current form is absolutely stunning, Khamzat Chimaev does not believe that he can create the most challenging record in UFC history. Chimaev thinks that Makhachev moving up in weight to conquer a third division is an unlikely scenario.

Since Conor McGregor reignited the “two-division champion” trend, it has become almost a necessity for fighters to claim a second title in order to gain full recognition from the fans. Islam Makhachev, who is the reigning lightweight champion and #1 in the pound-for-pound rankings, has set his sights not only on this goal but also on the ultimate dream of capturing titles in three weight divisions. Before even breaking the record for the longest title defense streak in the lightweight division at UFC 311, he declared multiple times that he wanted to become a three-weight world champion.

Islam Makhachev Sets His Sights on a Third Division Title

Makhachev is not only aiming to maintain his lightweight title but has also expressed his ambition to conquer the middleweight division (84 kg). He boldly shared, “I can be a champion in three weight classes. Just give me the chance, and I’ll fight Du Plessis. If they give me that opportunity, I’ll take it.”

To further emphasize his desire, Makhachev added, “Once Dana White gives me the contract, I’ll be ready to face him.”

Khamzat Chimaev Remains Cautious in His Judgment

However, Khamzat Chimaev is not fully convinced about Makhachev’s ability to move up in weight. Chimaev, the Chechen-born fighter currently competing in the middleweight division, believes that it will be extremely difficult for a lightweight champion like Makhachev to succeed in the middleweight class.

Chimaev commented, “Sure, if Islam wants to and Ali Abdelaziz (Makhachev’s manager) wants to, they can let him do it. I don’t know; I can’t give an answer about Islam because I’ve never trained with him.” He also expressed his concerns about Makhachev’s previous struggles in his lightweight fights, especially against fighters like Dustin Poirier: “It might be feasible, but it might not. If anyone can move up to 170 lbs or 185 lbs, that could be Khabib. With Islam, I have doubts because his fight with Dustin Poirier at lightweight was really tough.”

Dricus Du Plessis: A Warning to Islam Makhachev

It’s not just Chimaev; even Dricus Du Plessis, the current middleweight champion, has issued a warning to Makhachev. Du Plessis went as far as describing Makhachev’s dream of moving up to the middleweight division as a potentially huge challenge. “He’s dreaming really big. And I’m really big,” Du Plessis said, referring to the size difference between the lightweight and middleweight fighters. “I understand what it’s like to move up a weight class and fight for the belt. When I get the chance, I won’t turn it down.”

Islam Makhachev’s Ambitions Still a Long Way Off

While Makhachev’s ambitions are undeniably grand, moving up to the middleweight division remains a distant dream. For now, Makhachev must focus on defeating the contenders in his current weight class, such as Charles Oliveira. As for Khamzat Chimaev, he also has to secure his first UFC title to solidify his own place in the promotion.

To achieve this, Chimaev will need to wait for Dricus Du Plessis to defend his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 on February 9th, 2025.