Ali Abdel-Aziz, the manager of reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, recently shared insights into why his fighter is considering a move up to the welterweight division.
Abdel-Aziz expressed strong confidence in Makhachev`s potential at the higher weight class. “I believe Islam will perform even better at welterweight than he does at lightweight,” he stated. He suggested that competing at 170 pounds would positively impact Islam`s demeanor and allow him to train with greater intensity. Abdel-Aziz contrasted this with the situation of Ilia Topuria, who he noted moved from featherweight prematurely due to difficulties with weight cutting. He clarified that Makhachev does not face such issues at lightweight, emphasizing that Islam`s motivation stems from his ambition to achieve greatness.
“While I personally have no regard for Conor McGregor, he was undeniably a major star in his prime,” Abdel-Aziz commented. “Makhachev would have been willing to remain at lightweight for a fight against a peak McGregor because of the magnitude of that event. However, Ilia Topuria has not yet reached that level of superstardom.” According to Abdel-Aziz, this disparity means Islam feels compelled to push forward and pursue becoming a two-division champion. He added that he hopes to see a similar trajectory for Ilia, concluding, “What happens after he potentially becomes a double champion? Who knows?”
