Max Holloway Makes Controversial Statement on Islam Makhachev’s Double Champ Status

Islam Makhachev was already considered one of the best fighters from Dagestan. Following his performance against Ian Garry, the debate has started about whether he is better than Khabib Nurmagomedov or not. Dominating the welterweight division after conquering the lightweight fights, Makhachev looks to be in a league of his own. In a recent statement, Max Holloway seems to have a problem with his two-division champ status. 

What Did Max Holloway say about Islam Makhachev’s Two Belts?

After a gruelling fight against Ian Garry, the 34-year-old successfully defended his welterweight title. Post-fight, Makhachev’s team brought in both of his belts to celebrate his two-division champion status. Pointing to this gesture, ‘Blessed’ stated that it was a wrong move. In a recent video, Holloway criticized, saying that Makhachev only defended the welterweight belt, so posing with both belts did not make sense. 

The lightweight fighter said, “Why the f**k do you have two belts? For aura? I mean, like, it is what it is, bro. I mean, like, you are, but you're not. That was temporary, but now you're just defending one belt, bro."

Holloway might have made a mistake. It is a usual custom for all the UFC double-champs to pose with two belts. Previously, Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor, Ilia Topuria, and more have done it. Moreover, Makhachev has already defended his lightweight belt multiple times before coming up to the welterweight division.

Dana White Thinks Islam Makhachev On Right Path

Makhachev has now become the UFC fighter with the longest consecutive winning streak. Breaking Anderson Silva’s record, the Dagestani has now won 17 successive fights. This certainly puts the welterweight champion in the GOAT contention. Ahead of UFC 330, when White was asked the same, the UFC head acknowledged what Makhachev was doing. 

White said, “I don't think about that stuff until the fight happens. When we see his performance on Saturday, let's see how it plays out, but obviously breaking (Anderson Silva's record, you keep grinding, you keep fighting, you put your head down and just keep (expletive) knocking guys down left and right, by the time you say 'you know what? I'm done,' then we all figure out where he ends up in the big pictures. He's on the right path, that's for sure.” 

Thus, there is no doubt that Makhachev is creating a ripple. Now, it remains to be seen how his future pans out.