Bisping On Makhachev's Middleweight Title Shot Before Retiring

Islam Makhachev should chase the middleweight title before hanging up his gloves, according to UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping.

The lightweight champion recently backed out of headlining UFC 336, which forced the promotion to book Carlos Prates against Michael Morales for an interim welterweight belt instead. Makhachev then posted on social media that his next fight will be one of his final outings, as BJ Penn first reported.

Triple-Champ Run Within Reach For Makhachev

Bisping addressed the development on his YouTube channel and mapped out a scenario where Makhachev captures a third title. "I like the sound of that," Bisping said of a potential 185-pound run, per MMA Fighting. With two welterweight defenses and four at lightweight already banked, a win over whichever interim champion emerges would position Makhachev for the middleweight jump.

The former champion noted that Alex Pereira recently received clearance to challenge Ciryl Gane at heavyweight, setting a precedent for multi-division pursuits. Bisping argued Makhachev has earned the same opportunity.

Makhachev's interest in climbing to middleweight remains uncertain. Javier Mendez, who coaches Makhachev at American Kickboxing Academy, told The Schmo late last year that his fighter could win at the weight but stopped short of confirming any plans.

The champion's decision to skip UFC 336 rather than defend his welterweight belt ahead of Ramadan raised questions about his commitment to 170 pounds. A successful return against the Prates-Morales winner would give him multiple defenses across two divisions before any retirement timeline arrives.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev should fight for middleweight title before retiring, says UFC Hall of Famer