Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), who has defended his lightweight title a division-record four times, said he won’t retire before chasing his goal of becoming UFC dual-champion. But Muhammad can see a scenario where he notches a couple of title defenses, then move up to middleweight for his own opportunity at winning a second title.

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad says he may move up to middleweight, and said that the UFC's 185-pound division is the "easiest weight class".