- Paul Felder disagreed with Islam Makhachev’s idea of competing for the title at welterweight
- “The Irish Dragon” said only Conor McGregor has earned the right to do so
Former UFC lightweight Paul Felder is not in favor of current champions moving up to compete against higher weight classes. He even wants Islam Makhachev to stay in the lightweight division.
Stay in your lane Islam
Speaking on the UFC 296 Round-Up with Paul Felder and Michael Chiesa, “The Irish Dragon” expressed his firm disapproval of Makhachev aiming for a welterweight title shot. For Felder, only Conor McGregor has the right to do that simply because of his star power and what he did for the UFC.
“We got Islam Makhachev out there saying he should be next for the welterweight belt. Guys, stay in your freaking divisions, reign over your division. Can we get dominant champions before you all start wanting to fight for other belts? It didn’t used to be like this,” Felder exclaimed.
“Obviously, Conor (McGregor) is an exception. He did it; it was craziness, right? He was a superstar,” he continued.
Felder says Islam doesn't deserve a WW shot, explains that reigning in ur own weight class should be a prerequisite to earning a double title shot…
Agree completely..
Imo, Islam knows it, but he can't continue to make weight at 155 another 4 or times to justify it. #ufc pic.twitter.com/4U2A8KSHNT
— 20Finishes (@16Submissions) December 29, 2023
The next welterweight title challenger is yet to be determined
Makhachev’s team is ready to back him up if he would really pursue a move up to 170. Meanwhile, reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards is not bothered by who would be next in line as long as he rightfully deserves the title shot. At the moment, Belal Muhammad is being heavily viewed as Edwards’ next challenger but nothing concrete has progressed yet.
As for McGregor, it is still unclear when his much-awaited return would be. As it stands, “Notorious” is still being linked with a showdown with Michael Chandler. However, he was spotted at the recent “Day of Reckoning” boxing event in Riyadh seemingly calling for a fight with former multi-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
