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Sean Strickland Reacts to Islam Makhachev Considering Middleweight
In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, surprises are a given, both inside and outside the Octagon. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s recent consideration of a move to middleweight has sparked conversation across the MMA community. But perhaps the most unexpected response came from middleweight contender Sean Strickland.
Makhachev, currently one of the most dominant champions in the UFC, has made no secret of his desire to become a dual-weight champion before hanging up his gloves. With his close friend and training partner Belal Muhammad now holding the welterweight title, Makhachev’s plans to compete at 170 pounds have been put on ice. That has led him to explore the possibility of testing himself against the giants of the 185-pound division—a move that has drawn warnings from reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Strickland, who faces Du Plessis in a much-anticipated title rematch at UFC 312 on February 8 in Sydney, chimed in on the matter with his trademark blend of blunt honesty and surprising humility. When asked if he’d entertain the idea of welcoming Makhachev to the middleweight ranks should he emerge victorious at UFC 312, Strickland’s response was as candid as ever.
“We fought on the same card once, right? Bro, I actually really like that guy,” Strickland told MMA Junkie, reflecting on their shared experience at UFC 302. “He’s actually a really fcking good dude, which is funny because I think a lot of Muslims don’t like me because I talk a lot of sht. But he’s a good dude.”
Strickland’s tone struck a chord of respect, a notable shift from his usual polarizing remarks. Still, he didn’t shy away from expressing his opinion on Makhachev’s ambitions. “Again, there’s weight classes for a fcking reason. Stay in your weight class, maybe do 170, but there are weight classes for a fcking reason, dude. I don’t want to talk too much sh*t on you because I like you, but stay in your weight class.”
Makhachev’s dominance at lightweight is undeniable, and his recent submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 further solidified his place as one of the sport’s elite. But stepping up to middleweight would present a completely different challenge. At 185 pounds, Makhachev would face fighters who are not only naturally larger but also possess a unique blend of power and durability.
Strickland’s perspective highlights a broader issue in MMA: the difficulty of transitioning between weight classes, especially when moving up two divisions. While fighters like Israel Adesanya and Conor McGregor have dared to challenge for belts in heavier weight classes, not all attempts have been successful.
For now, Strickland remains focused on his own battle against Du Plessis, but his comments add another layer to the intrigue surrounding Makhachev’s future. Could the lightweight king truly make waves at middleweight, or would the division prove to be a step too far?
One thing is certain: if Makhachev does decide to make the leap, Strickland, with his mix of respect and blunt critique, would undoubtedly make for a captivating foil. Whether they meet in the Octagon remains to be seen, but their dynamic already adds fuel to the fire of MMA’s ever-expanding narrative.
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