Makhachev says he won't vacate UFC lightweight title

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev intends to hold on to his title no matter what.

Makhachev said Friday he won't relinquish the 155-pound belt, even if he moves up in weight after welterweight champion Belal Muhammad faces Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 this weekend in Montreal.

"This Saturday's main event will define what my next move is," Makhachev wrote on X. "But regardless of (the) outcome (of) that fight, I'm not going to vacate my lightweight title. We might get (a) real contender there."

UFC CEO Dana White hinted Thursday that the Muhammad-Della Maddalena fight will determine Makhachev's next opponent. White implied that if Muhammad beats Della Maddalena, Makhachev would likely defend the lightweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28. But if Della Maddalena dethrones Muhammad, Makhachev would likely move up to 170 pounds to challenge the Australian later this year.

Muhammad has trained with Makhachev in the past and said he'll never fight him.

Makhachev, ranked No. 1 on the UFC's men's pound-for-pound list, is one of the most dominant champions in 155-pound history, having defended the title four times. The 33-year-old Dagestani most recently submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January. Makhachev has long expressed a desire to win a second title in the promotion.

Despite Makhachev's dominance, there are several lightweight contenders waiting in line for a title shot, including Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje.