Triple champion? Makhachev rules out moving up to middleweight and ends his UFC dream.

Makhachev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Islam Makhachev could make history this Saturday (15), in New York (USA). In the main fight of UFC 322, the Russian will challenge Jack Della Maddalena , welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg), in search of a second title in a different weight class in the company. And, when projecting his future, the former lightweight king (up to 70,3 kg) says that this will be his definitive 'home' in MMA.

Previously, Makhachev stated that, in addition to the UFC welterweight superfight, he would also try his luck in the future to reach the top of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), aiming for the possibility of holding three belts, something rare in the sport and unique in the company's history. However, the Russian, being honest, has already ruled out the idea of ​​moving up two weight classes, thus giving up on his dream of being a triple champion.

See too

Makhachev promises a dominant performance at UFC 322: 'I'm going to show who the best fighter in the world is'

Final fight! Popó challenges Whindersson Nunes to a rematch in his farewell boxing match.

Alex Poatan renews his challenge to Jon Jones in a video recorded at the Colosseum in Rome: Watch

"At middleweight I'll get fat. It's going to be very difficult, it won't be at my weight. Honestly, I'd get way too big," said the MMA legend in an interview with the 'WEIGHING IN' channel on YouTube.

Difficulty in the welterweight division

In his preparation for his welterweight debut at UFC 322, 34-year-old Islam Makhachev made an important confession. The Russian, a former lightweight champion, admitted that he had difficulty gaining weight and building muscle. Therefore, the MMA legend would have an even harder time competing at middleweight.

Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.