Islam Makhachev is facing his toughest test yet as he moves up to welterweight to challenge for the title. Fans have seen his training videos and noticed that he has bulked up considerably. Now-retired UFC star Dustin Poirier is questioning whether Makhachev can even return to lightweight after this.

The Dagestani fighter has always aspired to win a second belt. He’s mentioned he won’t retire until he gets it. Fans had hoped to see him face Ilia Topuria at 155, but the former lightweight interim champion, Poirier, thinks Makhachev might be done at 155 after bulking up for welterweight. In a recent interview with Mike Bohn, ‘Diamond’ said:

“It depends on whether he wins or loses. To go back down to 155, it’s gonna take some time to lose the muscles he’s put on. I know for a fact he doesn’

See Full Page