Islam Makhachev wants multi-division UFC championship glory, but analyst Alan Jouban would prefer to see him stay in his own lane.
After setting the record for consecutive lightweight title defenses with a first-round submission of Renato Moicano at UFC 311 this month, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) reiterated that he wouldn’t leave the sport without a second title.
What that second weight class would be remains to be seen, but with a lack of desire to face current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, Makhachev said he would accept a chance to face middleweight kingpin Dricus Du Plessis if it was offered to him.
Over the past decade, defending champions seeking additional division titles have become commonplace. Some succeeded, while others failed. There seems to be a perception that capturing belts in multiple weight classes is the ultimate legacy building, but for UFC and ESPN analyst Jouban, that doesn’t outweigh the value of being a Dominant and long-reigning titleholder.
“I don’t need to see him,” Jouban told MMA Junkie of Makhachev competing at middleweight. “I love seeing guys their weight do dominant things and set records. That’s when we talk about greatness. Do I take it seriously? Yeah. I take it seriously .I think he really feels this is what he wants to do. Did he win it? Yeah. He set the record with four title defenses.
“Obviously, if Islam goes up to 185, he wants to win, but if he doesn’t win, he can say: ‘So what? I’m still the lightweight champion. I still have the belt so I have nothing to lose.” That’s why I don’t like these double champions. It’s one thing if he goes up to 170, but moving up two weight classes is not reasonable. I have to lose. having something at stake in these fights There’s nothing at stake if he loses and comes back and defends his belt and puts the division on hold.”
Although Makhachev, No. 3 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie pound-for-pound rankings, has distinguished himself as the most decorated champion in 155-pound history, Jouban doesn’t feel like he’s dumped the list of contenders at the point. where increasing weight is the only option.
Makhachev was supposed to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 before the challenger withdrew on weigh-in day due to a back issue. UFC CEO Dana White said following the event that Tsarukyan will need to win at least one more fight to reclaim the opportunity for gold, but if Jouban was able to make the call, he think this fight remains the same. the greatest threat to Makhachev’s historic rule.
“Arman is the guy, in my case, that sets him apart from Khabib (as a lightweight GOAT),” Jouban said. “That’s what sets the record. He’s the only guy in the division where there’s the question mark: ‘Can you beat this guy? Can you beat a guy that’s equivalent to you in the grappling?’ This can change things.”
“I think he’s going to be champion for a while. This is the toughest test the division has against him I believe, as much as I like Charles Oliveira, I just don’t think his fight is as strong as Islam’s I hope he stays in the division, though. I hope he stays in the division and sets a record. He is not going to fight Belal (Muhammad at weight welterweight), so? He’s going to move up to 185? I don’t want to see that.
Watch the video above as Jouban and MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn discuss Makhachev’s place among the greatest lightweight champions in history on “The Bohnfire” podcast.
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Analyst Doesn’t Care About Islam Makhachev Weighing 185 Pounds