islam Makhachev’s potential move to welterweight and subsequent claim to the pound-for-pound throne is being closely watched, with UFC legend Daniel Cormier weighing in on the implications.
A highly anticipated showdown between Islam Makhachev and welterweight champion Leon edwards is reportedly nearing 90% agreement for a November bout at Madison Square garden, according to Makhachev himself. Should Makhachev successfully capture a second divisional title, Cormier believes it woudl solidify his position as the undisputed pound-for-pound king.
Speaking on his YouTube show “3 Rounds” with Din Thomas, Cormier addressed the current pound-for-pound rankings, acknowledging Ilia Topuria’s current standing. “He (Topuria) is the number one pound-for-pound fighter today,” Cormier stated. “But if Islam is able to beat Jack Della Maddalena, it flips again and Islam goes back to number one.”
Cormier elaborated on his reasoning, highlighting the importance of Makhachev’s potential achievement. “only as of this, (his) fighting style will then be proven to go up to the next weight class. Islam will have done everything Topuria has done at a heavier weight. Four title defenses at 155 (pounds), and then the new champion at welterweight.”
The former two-division champion concluded, “So yes, I agree, he (Topuria) is pound-for-pound number one today. But I think the moment Islam is able to win, he then goes back to pound-for-pound number one.”
