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.

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.

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,

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

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