
The UFC has entered a dramatic phase, and fans are loving it. Champions are moving up in weight classes to seek bigger challenges. Recently, Islam Makhachev announced his move to the welterweight division in pursuit of a second title, with a potential matchup against Jack Della Maddalena on the horizon. However, UFC veteran Derek Brunson advised Makhachev to stay at 155 lbs instead.
Weight shifts and drama are part of the combat sports landscape. Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight multiple times, and now he’s officially vacated his lightweight title to make the jump. Meanwhile, Derek Brunson has a suggestion for the Dagestani fighter. With a surge of rising talent in the welterweight division, like Ian Garry, Joaquin Buckley, and others, Brunson believes Makhachev should reconsider. On X, he posted:
“The UFC welterweight division right now JACK MADDALENA, SEAN BRADY, SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV, IAN GARRY, JOAQUIN BUCKLEY & MICHAEL MORALES. A lot of young talent and potentially fun fights . It’s not too late to tell Islam he has to stay at 155.”
The UFC welterweight division right now JACK MADDALENA, SEAN BRADY, SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV, IAN GARRY, JOAQUIN BUCKLEY & MICHAEL MORALES. A lot of young talent and potentially fun fights . It’s not too late to tell Islam he has to stay at 155 😂
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 18, 2025
Della Maddalena recently captured the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad. Now, new contenders are emerging in recent events, and fans believe they have what it takes to challenge for the title. With their fierce fighting power, they could pose serious problems for Makhachev in the future.
Henry Cejudo Stirs Controversy Over Islam Makhachev’s Double Champ Status

The double champ status is a legacy many chase, but UFC rules now require fighters to vacate their belts before moving up. Islam Makhachev did just that, aiming for a second title and vacating his lightweight belt. However, Henry Cejudo questioned whether he could truly be called a double champ without holding both belts at once. On the Pound4Pound show, Cejudo said,
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“There’s a difference between being a multi-division champ and a double champ — having one belt on one shoulder and the other belt on the other shoulder, like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudo.”
Cejudo also mentioned that, like Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev should never have vacated his belt. However, with the UFC’s new rules, fighters are now forced to give up their titles before moving up, making it harder to achieve the true double-champ dream.
Also Read: Ilia Topuria Confident Of Victory, Tells Islam Makhachev To ‘Get In Line’ For Reclaiming Belt