Islam Makhachev was waiting for the welterweight title fight that took place on May 10 in Montreal.
The lightweight champion had previously stated his desire to move up a weight class to challenge for a second belt, but this wasn`t possible before UFC 315.
With Belal Muhammad`s loss to Jack Della Maddalena, both divisions are now poised for significant changes.
Speculation immediately arose about Della Maddalena facing Makhachev, particularly as the new champion might seek revenge for his teammate, Alexander Volkanovski.
Immediately following the main event, Makhachev posted his reaction on social media, which drew criticism.
Daniel Cormier Dismisses Joaquin Buckley`s Criticism of Islam Makhachev as Attention-Seeking
Daniel Cormier doesn`t think the UFC lightweight champion`s reaction to the UFC 315 main event warrants criticism.
It was understood that Islam Makhachev wouldn`t challenge for the welterweight title while Belal Muhammad held it, due to their past training relationship.
Therefore, Jack Della Maddalena winning the title was clearly the most favorable outcome for Makhachev`s career aspirations.
Although Makhachev shared encouraging words for Muhammad after his defeat, Joaquin Buckley accused him of secretly hoping his friend would 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 knows Makhachev well from training together at AKA, believes it`s unfair to suggest he rooted against Muhammad`s downfall.
Buckley publicly criticized Makhachev, but Cormier dismissed this as `New Mansa` simply trying to provoke a response and secure a high-profile fight.
“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 Doubts Islam Makhachev Can Emulate Amanda Nunes` Double-Champion Success
Islam Makhachev has stated that if he moves up to welterweight, he intends to keep his lightweight belt simultaneously.
Daniel Cormier commented on Makhachev`s ambition to hold two belts, referencing Amanda Nunes` time as a two-division champion.
While `The Lioness` held and defended two belts, the divisions were only 10 pounds apart, and the featherweight division lacked numerous contenders.
Cormier believes navigating between the lightweight and welterweight divisions will be significantly more challenging for Makhachev.
“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.”
Jack Thornley