Diego Lima, manager of Charles Oliveira, shared his perspective on the possibility of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moving up to the welterweight division.
According to Lima, a move to welterweight would likely result in Makhachev losing his title. He drew a comparison to Topuria and suggested that the UFC might be pushing Makhachev to make a decision. Lima emphasized that if Makhachev chooses to compete at 77 kg (welterweight), the promotion would be obligated to introduce an interim lightweight title, as the entire division cannot be put on hold. Lima described the idea of a fighter moving up without either vacating their current belt or establishing an interim one as “absurd.” He asserted that if a fighter is contemplating their next steps, an interim title is necessary to ensure the division continues to progress, as reported by MMA Fighting.
