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+).

Islam Makhachev has discussed a move to middleweight. Dana White believes the UFC Lightweight Champion should consider welterweight instead.

Following his title defense at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev could finally be on the verge of a permanent move up to welterweight with no lightweight fights left.

Beneil Dariush has an interesting pick for the UFC lightweight who has the best chance of dethroning Islam Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev's coach Javier Mendez says the undisputed UFC lightweight champion has the ability to win UFC titles at both welterweight and middleweight.