The manager of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, Ali Abdel-Aziz, explained why his client decided to move to the welterweight division.
"I think Islam will be even better at welterweight than at lightweight. His mood will be better, he will be able to train harder. Topuria left featherweight too early due to his weight cutting issues. But Makhachev has no weight cutting problems for lightweight. Islam is pursuing his greatness.
I despise Conor McGregor, but he was a star at his peak. And for a fight with him, Makhachev would have stayed in lightweight. But Topuria is not a superstar. Islam needs to move forward and become a double champion. I wish the same for Ilya. What will happen after that — who knows?" — said Abdel-Aziz in an interview with ESPN.
