4 days ago

Robert Whittaker Surprised by Islam Makhachev Vacating Lightweight Belt

Makhachev (27-1) vacated his belt this year and moved to welterweight to face champ Jack Della Maddalena. “What was unexpected was the relinquishing of the lightweight title… Islam’s kind of like the poster boy right now for the UFC in terms of megastar sort of things. I didn’t see them doing that,” Whittaker said, noting Ilia Topuria’s decision may have set the precedent.