Islam Makhachev v Shavkat Rakhmonov? Michael Bisping suggests 'showstopping' double-weight UFC championship fight

ByEurosport

Updated 21/01/2025 at 11:14 GMT

Islam Makhachev made light work of his Brazilian opponent, Renato Moicano, on Saturday night at UFC 311. The incumbent retained his belt after a first-round submission as he continued his dominance of the division. Speaking to TNT Sports, former fighter Michael Bisping suggested he could be rewarded with a potential welterweight championship fight, should Shavkat Rakhmonov beat Belal Muhammad.

Former UFC fighter Michael Bisping believes that Islam Makhachev deserves a shot at a "double-weight championship belt" as a reward for his dominance.

The lightweight champion preserved his undefeated streak going back to 2016 at UFC 311 on Saturday, submitting Renato Moicano in the first round.

Makhachev has been the dominant force in the division since becoming champion in 2022, when he defeated Charles Oliveira. 

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He had been due to fight Armenia’s Arman Tsarukyan before he pulled out with an injury, opening the door for Moicano, but UFC chief Dana White does not appear desperate to make the fight at a later date.

Speaking on TNT Sports Fight Week, Bisping noted there was no obvious candidate that looks likely to fight Makhachev next.

"It’s an interesting one," he began. "Typically you might think it would be Arman Tsarukyan. I don’t know, there might be more to the story – let’s just leave it at that.  

• Makhachev submits Moicano to retain title at UFC 311
• Makhachev issues warning to potential contenders

"When you look at the rankings, Islam has beaten everyone. The only name he hasn’t is Justin Gaethje. Of course, he’s coming off a loss. 

"It was announced on Saturday night that he’ll be fighting Dan Hooker. Maybe the winner of that, but I believe at this moment in time that Islam Makhachev deserves something bigger, something more showstopping."

Makhachev: Real fans know who is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter

Video credit: Eurosport

Bisping suggested that he could be given the chance to land another belt in the division above in a clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov, if he beats current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

He said: "A double-weight championship status belt. Maybe a shot at Shavkat Rakhmonov if he beats Belal Muhammad.

"Outside of that, he’s kind of cleared out the division."

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