Dana White pushed for 15-0 UFC 321 star to make a major career change after winning his contract

Dana White pushed for Azamat Murzakanov to move down a weight class

Earlier this month, Magomed Ankalaev highlighted Azamat Murzakanov as a potential title challenger in the light heavyweight division in the near future.

The 15-0 Russian has won five consecutive fights inside the Octagon, though his momentum has been slowed by a six-month drug suspension that was revealed last December.

He’s finished four of his five UFC opponents since debuting in the promotion in March of 2022.

This run has led him to facing Aleksandar Rakic in the main card opener on October 25, but long before UFC 321, Dana White had a suggestion for the light heavyweight.

Murzakanov was always going to earn himself a UFC contract after he knocked out Matheus Schefel in style on Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2021.

When telling the Russian that he was being signed, White claimed that making a huge change in his career could benefit the fighter.

“The light heavyweight division has been one of our marquee divisions for a very long time. We definitely need some new blood but, when I look at this kid, he’s undefeated, he’s 9-0, I also think he could go down to 85. I think this guy could be a 85-pounder. I think he could cut some weight and would be an absolute savage at 85.”

Murzakanov didn’t take White’s feedback on board, and it has paid off for him thus far.

Azamat Murzakanov faces by far his toughest test to date at UFC 321

While Azamat Murzakanov has certainly proved that he’s ready to take the next step and face top opposition, we’ll find out how he fares at UFC 321.

Aleksandr Rakic is coming into the fight off the back of three consecutive losses.

However, being beaten by Magomed Ankalaev and Jiri Prochazka, along with suffering a leg injury against Jan Blachowicz, are the opposite of bad losses to have on your record.

If Rakic is able to recapture the form that made him one of the most exciting rising contenders in the division at one stage, we could be in for a fascinating matchup later today.