Islam Makhachev awaited the outcome of the welterweight championship bout held on May 10 in Montreal.
The reigning lightweight champion has openly expressed his desire to ascend to the welterweight division and vie for a second title. However, this move was not feasible prior to UFC 315.
Following Belal Muhammad`s loss of the title to Jack Della Maddalena, both the lightweight and welterweight categories are poised for notable shifts in the foreseeable future.
Discussion has already emerged regarding a potential clash between Della Maddalena and Makhachev, with the new champion possibly seeking retribution for his teammate, Alexander Volkanovski.
Immediately after the main event concluded, the Russian fighter posted his reaction on social media, which subsequently drew criticism.
Daniel Cormier Defends Islam Makhachev, Suggesting Joaquin Buckley`s Criticism is for Attention
Daniel Cormier believes the UFC`s lightweight champion does not warrant the criticism he received for his reaction to the UFC 315 main event.
It was understood that Islam Makhachev would not pursue the welterweight title as long as Belal Muhammad held it, given their history of training together.
Considering this, Jack Della Maddalena winning the championship is clearly the most favorable outcome for Makhachev in terms of his career ambitions.
Although Makhachev posted encouraging words for Muhammad after his unsuccessful title defense, Joaquin Buckley accused the lightweight champion of secretly wanting his friend to lose.
“@bullyb170 today were fighting for something bigger than UFC title, he’s fighting for all generation of people. Win or lose, don’t define his legacy.”
Cormier, who has trained extensively with Makhachev at AKA and knows him well, stated that it is unfair to accuse him of wishing for Muhammad`s defeat.
Buckley voiced his opinion on social media, but `DC` dismissed it, suggesting it was merely `New Mansa` attempting to provoke a response from a potential opponent.
“I don’t think Makhachev was praying for Belal to lose. I know the guy and I don’t think that’s in him to want to see one of his friends lose for himself to gain an opportunity. But, what Buckley is doing, from the trolling of Ian [Machado] Garry to now trying to target Islam Makhachev, it’s one of the only ways he’s truly going to find his way into those big fights that he wants so desperately.”
Daniel Cormier Skeptical of Islam Makhachev Holding Two Belts Like Amanda Nunes
Islam Makhachev has stated his intention to retain his lightweight belt even if he moves up to compete in the welterweight division.
Daniel Cormier commented on Makhachev`s aspiration to simultaneously hold two championship belts, drawing a comparison to Amanda Nunes.
When ‘The Lioness’ held two titles, she successfully defended both, but the weight difference between her divisions was only 10 pounds, and there was a relative scarcity of contenders in the featherweight division.
Cormier suggested that Makhachev would face significantly greater difficulty navigating between the lightweight and welterweight categories.
“That’s difficult. That’s hard. Especially once you get that belt at the next weight class, why do I have to cut the weight when I’m the champion here? It’s a very hard thing.”
