Published 57 days ago
As Max Holloway questions Islam Makhachev’s legitimacy in holding two titles, the Russian maintains a controversial tradition after his rise to welterweight.
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After his victory at UFC 330, Islam Makhachev kept both his lightweight and welterweight belts, despite criticism from Max Holloway. This practice, though symbolic, is dividing the mixed martial arts community.
To remember:
- Max Holloway questions Islam Makhachev’s legitimacy in holding two UFC belts after his move to welterweight.
- The Russian symbolically retains his lightweight belt, despite its vacancy since his promotion.
- This tradition, though controversial, is sparking debates within the MMA world.
Since his victory at UFC 330, Islam Makhachev has been making headlines far beyond the Octagon. The Russian, now the undisputed welterweight champion, continues to proudly display his lightweight belt, which has been vacant since his move up in weight class. A practice that, while symbolic, has not gone unnoticed. Max Holloway, the former featherweight champion, has recently voiced his reservations about this tradition, reigniting a debate that’s stirring the MMA world.
For Holloway, Makhachev should focus solely on his current title. “A champion must earn their belt in the cage, end of story,” he stated, echoing the competitive spirit that drives the UFC. Yet, Makhachev fully embraces this dual role. He continues to hold the trophy he won against Charles Oliveira in 2022, before Ilia Topuria and then Justin Gaethje claimed it. A legacy that, despite its symbolic nature, divides opinions.
A Tradition That Questions Sporting Fairness
While this practice isn’t unprecedented in MMA, it remains controversial. Critics see it as a form of blurred legitimacy, where a vacant title continues to be associated with an active champion. Makhachev, however, seems to find an extra source of motivation in it. “Each belt represents a chapter of my career,” he explained during a press conference.
Yet, Holloway isn’t the only one criticizing this approach. Some observers argue that this dual exposure could muddy the hierarchy of titles and harm the clarity of competition. The UFC, for its part, has yet to take an official stance, leaving uncertainty about the future of this tradition.
Between tradition and controversy, the debate over Islam Makhachev’s two belts highlights the persistent tensions in the MMA universe. While some see it as a mere symbolic issue, others, like Max Holloway, argue that the essence of the sport lies in pure competition. One thing is certain: as long as Makhachev remains champion, this debate will continue to shake the UFC.