Michael Bisping Backs Islam Makhachev for UFC Middleweight Title Shot

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping believes current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has earned the right to chase a third division title at 185 pounds. Makhachev, who already holds the UFC record for the most lightweight title defenses with four, is currently reigning over the 170-pound division with two successful defenses. He is currently waiting to face the winner of the UFC 337 interim title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bisping argued that if Makhachev wins his next title unification bout, a move up to middleweight makes sense for his career timeline. Bisping pointed to Alex Pereira recently receiving the opportunity to move up to heavyweight against Ciryl Gane as precedent, arguing that Makhachev has earned similar treatment. Outside of a potential matchup with Shavkat Rakhmonov, Bisping noted that Makhachev has already defeated Ian Machado Garry and will have beaten the Prates-Morales winner, leaving few immediate options at 170 pounds.

Bisping also highlighted a potential matchup between Makhachev and current UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. While acknowledging the difficulty of the fight, Bisping believes Makhachev’s conditioning would hold up well at 185 pounds compared to previous challengers, referencing Khamzat Chimaev's fight against Strickland.