Islam Makhachev may move to another UFC division

On October 21, 2023, the long-awaited rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira will take place at the UFC Abu Dhabi event.

Exactly one year before the upcoming event in the same venue, the Russian fighter defeated the Brazilian early and became the lightweight champion.

Subsequently, Islam defended the belt by defeating Australian Alex Volkanovski, so, the next defense will be the second.

As explained by the Russian's trainer Javier Mendes, the fight with Oliveira is still a few months away, but Makhachev already has certain plans to continue his career.

"We are all confident of victory, as well as the fact that Islam will want to challenge himself. If he wishes, he can move to welterweight, which the athlete himself planned," explained the mentor.

According to him, only certain unfinished business - for example, a possible rematch with Volkanovski - can delay such a move.