Bisping On Makhachev's Case For Third Title

Michael Bisping wants Islam Makhachev to chase history at middleweight once the champion clears one more welterweight challenger.

The reigning 170-pound titleholder already owns four successful lightweight defenses — a UFC record at 155 — and has protected the welterweight belt twice. MMA Fighting reports Makhachev now waits on the UFC 337 interim bout featuring Carlos Prates against Michael Morales before booking his next opponent. If he wins that matchup, Bisping sees little reason to keep the Dagestani at welterweight.

Path Clear for Middleweight Move

"I like the sound of that," Bisping said of a potential triple-title pursuit, noting Makhachev has indicated his career is winding down. The former middleweight champion pointed to Alex Pereira's recent heavyweight opportunity against Ciryl Gane as precedent for an accomplished champion moving up in weight.

Beyond Shavkat Rakhmonov — whose return timeline remains unclear — Bisping sees few compelling welterweight options left. Makhachev finished Ian Machado Garry last month at UFC 330, pushing his current run to 17 straight victories. A clash with middleweight champion Sean Strickland would test whether Makhachev can handle the jump, though Bisping noted Khamzat Chimaev gassed against Strickland at that weight.

Bisping also praised Makhachev for waiting on the Prates-Morales winner rather than fighting both contenders across 2027. "The art of fighting without fighting," he called it, referencing a Bruce Lee film. Makhachev turned 35 last month and recently posted that his next appearance will be among his final bouts.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Morning Report: Michael Bisping believes Islam Makhachev deserves to fight for 3rd title | MMA Fighting