Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), who has defended his lightweight title a division-record four times, said he won’t retire before chasing his goal of becoming UFC dual-champion. But Muhammad can see a scenario where he notches a couple of title defenses, then move up to middleweight for his own opportunity at winning a second title.

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis have very different impressions about how a fight between them plays out. There is a growing appetite to see UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev challenge for the welterweight crown,