Bisping backs Makhachev to chase unprecedented third UFC title after welterweight reign

Michael Bisping has publicly backed Islam Makhachev to pursue a third UFC title, arguing the lightweight and welterweight champion has earned the right to chase middleweight gold — a feat no fighter in the promotion’s history has achieved.

Makhachev already holds the record for the most successful title defences at 155 pounds with four, and has added two more at welterweight since moving up in weight. He is currently awaiting the winner of the UFC 337 interim welterweight co-main event between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, which will determine his next challenger.

“He says he’s almost done,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “One of his last fights. So say he has this one, let’s say he beats the winner of Prates and Morales. So then he’s got two defenses at welterweight, four defenses at lightweight — that moving up to 185 and trying to become the triple champ? I like the sound of that. And if anyone deserves it, it is Islam Makhachev.”

Bisping drew a direct comparison to Alex Pereira, who was granted the opportunity to move from light heavyweight up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane, suggesting Makhachev’s record makes a similar case impossible to dismiss.

Makhachev himself has hinted that his career is entering its final chapter, posting on social media that “my next fight is one of the last in my career.” The 35-year-old is currently riding a 17-fight win streak after defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

With limited welterweight options beyond Shavkat Rakhmonov — whose own return to competition remains uncertain — Bisping sees a clash with current middleweight champion Sean Strickland as the logical destination.

“You can’t say that Islam Makhachev hasn’t earned that opportunity also,” Bisping said. “Other than Shavkat Rakhmonov, Islam Makhachev would have really done it all. And if Sean Strickland is still the champion, that would be a good matchup. I’m not saying he beats Sean — Khamzat couldn’t beat Sean — but Islam wouldn’t get tired at 185, because that’s what Khamzat did.”

Bisping also defended Makhachev against criticism that he should have fought both Prates and Morales separately rather than waiting for their bout to conclude, framing the champion’s patience as calculated career management rather than avoidance.