Paddy Pimblett expects UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's move up to welterweight to heavily impact what's next for him.

The UFC is heading for a confusing place regarding International Fight Week. The annual marquee event generally features a huge main event, and many believed that a matchup between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria would be that matchup.

Makhachev is already the UFC lightweight champion. He won the division’s coveted belt with a submission win over Charles Oliveira in 2022, and has since defended it four times. His first two defenses came against featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski. Since then, he has defended the belt with finishes of Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.

Former UFC champ shuts down rumors of Islam Makhachev wishing Belal Muhammad to lose, clarifying his true stance and intentions.

Ahead of his imminent move up to welterweight, Islam Makhachev's plan to defend two UFC belts has been questioned by UFC legend, Chael Sonnen.

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev said he will not vacate the title if he moves up to welterweight. Saturday’s main event at UFC 315 features current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad looking to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena.

On "Spinning Back Clique," our panel reacts to the results from UFC 315, Islam Makhachev's impending welterweight move and much more.

Islam Makhachev holds the No. 1 spot in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings — and with good reason. His most recent win, at UFC 311 over Renato Moicano, made him the all-time leader in lightweight title defenses.