Linked with an impending welterweight and middleweight transfer — Islam Makhachev has boldly claimed if anyone can win three separate Octagon titles it’s him.
Makhachev, the present undisputed light-weight champion and pound-for-pound primary ranked fighter within the UFC, has been linked closely in current weeks with an excellent struggle towards unbeaten featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria — in a bid to defend his belt for one more record-setting fifth time.
Most lately that includes in an impromptu fundamental occasion of UFC 311, Makhachev took on short-notice foe, Renato Moicano on only a single day discover, touchdown a dominant opening spherical D’Arce choke submission win over the Brasilia native of their championship conflict.
Islam Makhachev boasts himself as first UFC triple crown winner
And urged to tackle welterweight kingpin, Belal Muhammad amid their friendship — in addition to Dricus du Plessis in a shocking middleweight transfer, Makhachev boldly claimed this week if anybody can win three separate divisional titles within the UFC, it’s him.
“Some say it’s impossible [to win three titles in three separate weight classes], some say it will work,” Islam Makhachev informed Match TV throughout a current interview this week.
Islam Makhachev on the potential of changing into triple champion:
“Some say it’s impossible, some say it will work. But I can say this with 100% certainty – I have a great chance of winning a third belt. If anyone has it, it’s me.” 👀
(through. Match TV) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/xCCodf0B0c
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 13, 2025
“But I can say this with 100% certainty – I have a great chance of winning a third belt. If anyone has it, it’s me,” Islam Makhachev boldly continued.
Separating himself from prior light-weight champions together with his submission of Moicano, Makhachev turned essentially the most prolific defender of the belt — following a pair of knockout wins over Alexander Volkanovski, in addition to one other D’Arce choke submission win over perennial contender and former interim light-weight titleholder, Dustin Poirier.
Nevertheless, this week in addition — whereas du Plessis presently holds the middleweight strap, the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev has warned Makhachev towards a 185lbs transfer — claiming he’s the “king” of that weight class already.
“If he (Islam Makhachev) wants to [fight Dricus du Plessis], let him do it,” Khamzat Chimaev informed Crimson Nook MMA. “If it’s du Plessis or not, Islam can struggle anybody. It’s nearly his capabilities. I can struggle anybody I would like, as nicely.
“If Islam get’s his shot [at the middleweight title], let him fight for it,” Khamzat Chimaev continued. “If not, what can I say? I don’t think they [the UFC] will let him jump two weight divisions. He’d better fight at 170 [pounds], this is my opinion. As for 185 [pounds], I’m the king here for now.”
