Renato Moicano reveals the 'truth' about Belal Muhammad's refusal to fight Islam Makhachev

Renato Moicano disputed the belt in UFC 311 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Despite being far from the action in UFC 315, scheduled for next Saturday (10), the future of Islam makhachev can be directly impacted by the event. This is because your friend and training partner, Belal Muhammad |, disputes the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg) against Jack Della Maddalena. A possible defeat for the Palestinian could pave the way for Makhachev to move up a weight class in search of a second title — a move that has been increasingly speculated about behind the scenes at the UFC.

However, this theory is partially disputed by Renato Moicano, last victim of the lightweight champion. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, the Brazilian stated that Makhachev will move up a weight class regardless of what happens in the welterweight division. According to Moicano, there is no possibility of the Russian defending the lightweight belt (up to 70 kg) again, as his focus is exclusively on winning a new title.

“If you want to see the Islam makhachev against Topuria, forget everything. Islam will rise, no matter what happens,” said Moicano.

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Still according to Moicano, even if Belal wins in UFC 315, the Superfight between the champions should not take place. The reason, however, would not be the respect or friendship between them, but rather the Palestinian's fear of facing the Dagestani.

“A lot of people were saying: 'But if Belal beats Della Maddalena, Islam won't get promoted because Belal doesn't want to fight Islam.' That's true. And here's the answer, my friend: he doesn't want to fight Islam at all. He's said many times that Islam beats him and that he would never fight Islam. And I tell you: is it because he's a friend of Islam? Friends are no fucking thing! He's just afraid of getting a slap on the wrist from Makhachev,” he said. Renato Moicano.

At 33, Islam makhachev has accumulated 27 victories in his career, five of which were in title disputes. Disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov and currently number one in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, the Dagestani dreams of winning his second belt in the organization — an unprecedented feat for the Dagestani clan.