Dana White alerts Islam Makhachev, Alex Pereira and other champs with major condition: “You’re going to be busy!”
UFC CEO Dana White shares exciting news for UFC double champ aspirants like Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira.
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Dana White gives a green light to UFC double champ aspirants (Image via X/BBC/Forbes)
Currently, several UFC champions plan to challenge the champion in the next weight class above them and aim for double champion status. As a result, they are reaching out to UFC executives, including Dana White, to fulfill their aspirations. Notable fighters making this move include UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Recently, featherweight fighter Diego Lopes claimed that Dana White and other UFC executives opposed the idea of fighters holding double champion status. According to Lopes, they would not allow a champion to simultaneously reign over two divisions. After UFC Seattle, the UFC CEO was asked about this allegation. In response, White refuted Lopes’ claims and shared his thoughts on the matter.
If there’s a guy who thinks he can do it and thinks he can defend both belts and has accomplished all these great things, I would have no problem with it. But you’re going to be busy.
Dana White via UFC Seattle post-fight presser
Currently, Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira are among the most standout fighters on the UFC roster. One of the key reasons for their success is that both MMA fighters have defeated several top contenders in their respective divisions.
Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, is on a remarkable 15-fight win streak, while Pereira, the UFC light heavyweight champion, is on a five-fight win streak. Consequently, both fighters have expressed interest in moving up to a higher weight class.
Dana White dispels Diego Lopes' claim about UFC's stance on champ-vs-champ fights. 🏆🏆
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 23, 2025
"If there's a guy who thinks he can do it and thinks he can defend both belts and has accomplished all these great things, I would have no problem with it. But you're going to be busy." pic.twitter.com/fUsWAwYPQU
If both Makhachev and Pereira move up to a higher weight class, they could gain more attention in the UFC community. This might be one reason why Dana White is looking forward to their potential move. However, there could be some challenges, particularly regarding Makhachev’s pursuit of double champion status. One of these challenges was even recently discussed by a UFC legend.
Michael Bisping believes Islam Makhachev’s move to 170 lbs division would depend upon Khabib Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev comes from a lineage of MMA fighters in Dagestan and trains under former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The ‘Eagle’ has been a significant source of support and confidence for Makhachev throughout his journey in the promotion. However, Michael Bisping suggests that Nurmagomedov may have an impact on Makhachev’s desire to become a double champion.
Currently, Belal Muhammad holds the title of UFC welterweight champion. In recent months, discussions about a potential matchup between Muhammad and Makhachev for the 170-pound UFC title has surfaced. However, one major concern has created uncertainty around this exciting fight. Additionally, Michael Bisping added more tidbits to that concern and even involved Khabib Nurmagomedov in it.
Khabib is very controlling of who he allows into his gym. I have heard stories and I have seen clips where he can’t believe it, if somebody steps in, if they come onto the mats, they share training tips, techniques, and just a methodology on how they prepare for a fight, then of course, they become brothers…. I don’t think he would allow Islam and Belal to face each other anyway. So the theory of Islam stepping up to 170, there’s a big, big problem with that because of Khabib. Because they have trained together.
Michael Bisping via YouTube
A few months ago, Muhammad spent a significant amount of time training with Nurmagomedov. Having built a strong relationship with Makhachev and gained insight into his training methods, Bisping believes that the ‘Eagle’ would not allow his starfighter to be exposed. However, these are just assumptions from the UFC legend. It will be intriguing to see how everything unfolds in this situation.
Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House
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Nilaav Gogoi
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