Diego Lima, manager of former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, recently shared his thoughts on current champion Islam Makhachev potentially moving up to the welterweight division.
Lima outlined a specific outcome he believes would occur if Makhachev were to make the move and commented on the necessary actions from the UFC.
What will happen if Makhachev moves up? He will lose the title. Just like Topuria.
I think the UFC is asking him to choose. If he fights at 77 kg, they will have to introduce an interim title. You can’t pause the entire division. In my opinion, it’s absurd.
When a fighter moves up in weight, he must either vacate the title or introduce an interim one. If a fighter is considering such a move, an interim title is necessary. The division needs to progress.
