Dana White Discrediting Islam Makhachev’s Past Achievements Surfaces Amidst Latest Tensions

UFC CEO Dana White never gave credit to Islam Makhachev for beating featherweights such as Alexander Volkanovski.

Dana White Discrediting Islam Makhachev’s Past Achievements Surfaces Amidst Latest Tensions

Dana White once slammed Islam Makhachev's lightweight resume (via Imago/X)

Islam Makhachev always finds himself in the middle of criticism, irrespective of what he does or accomplishes. The pound-for-pound ace recently announced his move up, leaving the prestigious lightweight title completely vacant. As expected, the fighter was accused of running away from the former featherweight king and top challenger Ilia Topuria immediately after the announcement.

Makhachev’s move was dependent on the result of the UFC 315 main event, where Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad decisively. The Dagestani always believed that capturing a second UFC belt would contribute more to his overall legacy than fighting Topuria. However, his decision is being criticized, though a viral Dana White video supports Makhachev’s stance and justifies the fighter’s career choice.

He was fighting guy lower weight than him not a guy higher weight than him. When you actually move up, think about what pound-for-pound means. These guys are actually moving up in weight not moving down on weight. Yes, Islam beat him but in one of the fights, many people thought that he didn’t beat him, a guy who is lighter than him.

Dana White via UFC presser 

White’s comments came after Makhachev’s back-to-back successful title defenses against the respected featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski inside the UFC octagon. In their first fight, the Aussie superstar delivered a competitive performance with heart and grit but ultimately came up short on scorecards. In the rematch, the Dagestani silenced all haters and doubters by brutally knocking out Volk in the first round.

However, this never elevated Makhachev’s career as critics claimed he avoided top lightweights and only fought smaller featherweight contenders. Following those two fights, the Dagestani faced Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, submitting both fighters impressively with slick D’arce choke finishes. The Poirier fight was a brutal war, but the champion was still criticized for needing five rounds to beat the aging veteran.

Moicano was a short-notice replacement, stepping in for Arman Tsarukyan at the last moment, which sparked fresh waves of criticism. Nevertheless, Makhachev aimed to hold two championship belts simultaneously to elevate his legacy and secure his place in UFC history. Now he’s forced to vacate the lightweight title, and until he beats JDM, the pound-for-pound king holds no championship.

Islam Makhachev’s manager warns top welterweights 

Since before his title vacation, many in the UFC welterweight division had shown in fighting the Dagestani. Following his victory at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena immediately accepted Makhachev’s offer and asked Dana White to hold the fight in Perth, Australia. JDM’s performance against Belal Muhammad was incredible, where the fighter showcased slick head movements and dynamic striking.

Islam Makhachev to dominate Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev to dominate Jack Della Maddalena (via X)

As a result, many fans are now campaigning for Della Maddalena to beat Makhachev in a welterweight title bout. Legends like Stephen Thompson and Robert Whittaker have advised the pound-for-pound king to be cautious against Della Maddalena. However, according to Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, the Dagestani won’t have any problem dominating at the 170-lbs division. 

Nobody in the UFC right now in any division is doing what Islam Makhachev is doing – finishing guys at this level, putting on unbelievable fights, knocking people out with head kicks, just smashing people. I’m going to tell you something: He’s going to be a problem for a lot of these guys. I believe at welterweight, you’re going to get a bigger, not depleted, stronger Islam Makhachev, and I believe he is going to be a problem for the whole division. 

Ali Abdelaziz via MMA Junkie

Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, believes Makhachev can do everything that Muhammad did in a better way. On top of that, the Dagestani won’t make mistakes that the former welterweight did by underutilizing his wrestling prowess. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see when the official announcement of this fight takes place. 

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