Islam Makhachev gives up UFC title for welterweight fight

Islam Makhachev — UFC’s number one pound-for-pound fighter — has made a significant decision to relinquish his lightweight championship title.

The Dagestani fighter initially aspired to become a two-division champion like Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, and Conor McGregor — but had to abandon this ambition for professional reasons.

This decision was made due to his scheduled welterweight fight against Jack Della Maddalena later this year — combined with the upcoming Ramadan period in February.

“I wanted to defend my belt in lightweight, but it’s impossible. If I fight Della Maddalena in October or November, then in February, Ramadan begins,” Makhachev told MMAJunkie.