After Belal Muhammad was dethroned by Jack Della Maddalena, Dagestani star Islam Makhachev had no hesitation moving up a weight class. In pursuit of a second belt, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title. Meanwhile, Spain’s Ilia Topuria — also chasing double-champ status — will now get his shot at lightweight gold this summer.

Makhachev did also tweet words of encouragement to Muhammad, but it was overlooked by many. Cormier defended Makhachev amidst accusations that he was hoping for Muhammad's demise, chalking it up to Buckley just trying to insert himself into the title picture.