Islam Makhachev reacts to becoming the UFC’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter

Islam Makhachev didn’t just become the UFC’s new welterweight champion this past weekend; he climbed to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, too.

The former UFC lightweight champion faced Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight crown on Saturday. Makhachev might have moved up a weight class, but he didn’t seem to be out of place.

The Russian dominated Maddalena and took the Australian’s title. Wild celebrations followed Makhachev becoming a double UFC champion, and now he is also the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion.

Makhachev usurps another double champion, Ilia Topuria, to climb the summit. There has been a lot of talk that the pair will fight in the future, but the Russian has got his rival’s number for now.

Makhachev reacted to becoming the new No.1 by posting on Instagram. In a translated message, the Russian highlighted how he was happy at being the best:

“A bit of a perfectionist – I love it when everything is in its place. 😅”

Makhachev was second to Topuria before UFC 322, but this win put him at the top. Merab Dvalishvili is third on the list, while Khamzat Chimaev is fourth. Alexandre Pantoja is fifth on the list, with fan favourite Alex Pereira one rank lower.

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria at the White House?

There’s a lot of interest in Islam Makhachev’s next fight. Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, has been named as the potential challenger, but Ilia Topuria could still meet his rival.

Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, spoke on Submission Radio and laid down the plan should the UFC set the pair of champions up.

Mendez was open to Makhachev fighting at the UFC White House event in June next year. However, he did not expect the Russian to come down a weight class and face Topuria.

“You know, if the UFC offers him, no problem. I mean, I can’t answer for Islam, but I’m saying no problem. Islam and Ali [Abdelaziz], who I consider the greatest manager in the business, will do the right thing for Islam… But let’s face it, we’re going to meet him eventually, whether it’s the White House or whether it’s another time. Let the UFC decide that, I say. But we’re going to meet him eventually if he wants to continue to come up. But I seriously doubt Islam will want to come down.”

Topuria is the current UFC lightweight champion, a belt that Makhachev held before vacating the title. Makhachev vs. Topuria is one of the biggest fights the UFC could make, however, it is to be seen which weight class this super fight would be at.