One fighter set to compete at UFC 317 has expressed a sense of disappointment following Islam Makhachev’s decision to move to the welterweight division. As the highly anticipated main event between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria approaches, Makhachev will officially vacate his lightweight title. The Oliveira vs. Topuria matchup will crown a new champion at 155 pounds as Makhachev prepares to face UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena in a future bout.
Beneil Dariush, who is gearing up for his fight against Renato Moicano at UFC 317, shared his feelings regarding Makhachev’s transition to a higher weight class. “I was extremely disappointed,” Dariush remarked while reflecting on his missed opportunities to face Makhachev during his previous winning streak. “I thought I was going to get picked to fight him… It was tough. We really had to work through that one.”
Dariush is optimistic about Makhachev’s performance at welterweight, predicting that the matchup against Della Maddalena will involve more striking than grappling. He noted, “Jack Della Maddalena’s defense seems really solid, and I think the easier path will be striking for Makhachev.”
Interestingly, Makhachev’s last fight at lightweight was against Moicano, whom he submitted in the first round after an opponent withdrawal. With his own bout against Moicano now rescheduled, Dariush is eager to demonstrate he still has what it takes in the octagon.
This change in weight class for Makhachev has sparked discussions about the shifting dynamics within the lightweight division. As fighters adapt to new challenges, it presents opportunities for rising stars like Oliveira and Topuria to make their marks in the division. The upcoming fight could be pivotal for the future landscape of the UFC’s lightweight hierarchy.