UFC Lightweight Star Explains why Islam Makhachev Wearing two Belts Makes Sense

Islam Makhachev concluded his welterweight title defense with a dominant win over Ian Garry. Expectedly, such an occasion called for a happy celebration. But soon after pictures of him holding both his belts went viral, controversy erupted. But according to Arman Tsarukyan, there was nothing wrong with what Makhachev did. 

Arman Tsarukyan Justifies Islam Makhachev’s Double-Belt Pose

Max Holloway was the first one to question why Makhachev would pose with two belts. He stated that since the Dagestani fighter only defended one belt, bringing in two belts did not make sense. However, for Tsarukyan, that particular act was completely normal. In fact, the Armenian star felt that by bringing two belts, Makhachev actually helped the UFC’s marketing further. 

Tsarukyan pointed out that Makhachev had defended his lightweight title multiple times. Facing all the top contenders, he never lost. Now, in the welterweight division too, the 34-year-old is undefeated. 

Speaking with Ariel Helwani recently, Tsarukyan said, “It's not bothering me. He's double champ... He never lost at 155. He's still kind of ex-champion in 155 and the current champion in 170, so it makes sense... I mean, it's good marketing for the UFC."

Surely, this was not what Holloway had in mind when he spoke out about the celebrations. 

Max Holloway Criticized Islam Makhachev bringing Two Belts

In a recently uploaded video, ‘Blessed’ pointed out that bringing in two belts was pointless. Especially when Makhachev was defending one belt on the night. He 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."

Following such a take, fans were quick to remind him that this was a common practice among double champions. If a fighter in the UFC becomes a two-division champion, they usually pose with both belts after every successful defense.