Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Why Islam Makhachev won’t attempt the history-making UFC feat that Ilia Topuria has his eyes on

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 6:56 PM ET

There’s one major accolade that Islam Makhachev won’t be the first to secure.

The former lightweight champion currently has his sights set on becoming the UFC’s latest two-division champion, having vacated the throne at 155 pounds and begun to bulk up for a welterweight move earlier this year.

His opportunity to add another belt to his résumé comes on November 15 at Madison Square Garden, where Makhachev will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound crown in the UFC 322 main event.

Should the pound-for-pound great emerge victorious, he plans to stay where he is rather than pursuing a piece of history up at middleweight.

Islam Makhachev shuts down talk of him becoming a three-division UFC champion

10 fighters have become double champions in the UFC thus far, and the most recent to do so has his sights on separating himself from the pack.

Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to become the new lightweight king. That result followed a short but violent featherweight reign, setting the stage for the Spaniard’s attempt to make history by becoming the first three-weight champ.

‘El Matador’ has long pointed to that as his ultimate ambition in the UFC, and when it comes to achieving the historic feat first, Topuria won’t have competition from Makhachev.

“I dream of becoming and remaining a double champion, of going down in history as someone who has won two belts,” Makhachev recently told Match TV (h/t @ChampRDS via X).

“(A third belt)? I can’t eat that much anymore,” he added.

“I think there is space for a third belt” pic.twitter.com/A3TrCwEhYh
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) June 29, 2025

Khabib Nurmagomedov posted a sentimental message to Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 322

When Makhachev enters the Octagon at MSG later this month, he will do so with his friend and mentor by his side.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has cornered Makhachev for many of his UFC fights and has returned to the role after a brief break to spend more time with his family in 2023. After aiding Umar Nurmagomedov in his victory over Mario Bautista at UFC 321 last Saturday, Khabib’s attention has turned to Makhachev.

A few weeks out from the event in New York City, ‘The Eagle’ posted a sentimental message about the opportunity that lies ahead for his protégé.

“So our whole lives went side by side in the hall, helping each other to become better and stronger,” Khabib wrote on Instagram.

“Soon we will follow the historic second belt, and in the meantime the work continues. 33 days before the historical fight in Madison Square Garden. See you guys in New York. Islam Makhachev ready to go.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: