'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Khabib Nurmagomedov recently shared his thoughts regarding Islam Makhachev's welterweight ambitions. He noted that his pupil remains interested but there are certain factors preventing it from becoming a reality for the time being.
Makhachev set the record for most consecutive lightweight title defenses (4) in UFC history earlier this year and expressed interest in joining the list of legends to win a second championship. Red Corner MMA recently posted a clip from Nurmagomedov's conversation with journalist Adam Zubayraev, where he noted that Belal Muhammad being the reigning champion is what is stopping Makhachev from moving up.
Nurmagomedov disclosed that Muhammad is a close friend of their team and as a result, they won't ruin their relationship for a title fight. 'The Eagle' said:
Trending
"Islam wants to fight at 170 [pounds] but we can't go up there because Belal is the champion, who is very close to us. We can't exchange our relationships for belts. That's not the way we are. Those who offer us this just don't look at things the way we do, so we have different views in this case. If [Della] Maddalena was the champion, Islam would fight him for sure."
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below:
Khabib Nurmagomedov says UFC 315 main event will determine Islam Makhachev's next fight
During the aforementioned clip, Khabib Nurmagomedov mentioned that the outcome of Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena fight at UFC 315 will factor into Makhachev's decision to either defend his lightweight title or move up to welterweight.
'The Eagle' added that the UFC shares those sentiments and are keeping his pupil in mind for the next title shot should Della Maddalena defeat Muhammad:
"As far as I see it, the UFC are waiting for the event in May, where Belal and [Della] Maddalena are set to fight each other. I really want with all my heart Belal to win, but if [Della] Maddalena wins, I think the UFC may offer Islam this fight for the title at 170 [pounds]."
Check out a clip of Khabib Nurmagomedov embracing Belal Muhammad following his win at UFC 280 below:
