That had Makhachev contemplating jumping up to 185 pounds, which middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis cautioned him about . Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) challenges Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in a title-fight rematch, which headlines UFC 312 Feb. 8 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+).

Following Islam Makhachev's big win at UFC 311, the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world wants to move up to face Dricus Du Plessis.

Dana White isn't sure about UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev jumping two weight classes. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) is eager to become a two-weight UFC champion, but standing in the way of his goal is his good friend and training partner,

There, the UFC executive largely shut down Islam Makhachev’s tease of a move to 185 pounds. While Dana White has no issue with the lightweight champion moving up to welterweight, a move to middleweight is a bridge too far for the promoter.

Islam Makhachev left many scratching their heads with his bold claim on being able to move up to 185 pounds and win a title. Makhachev, who holds the UFC lightweight title, is regarded by many as the No.