Top-ranked lightweight perplexed with Islam Makhachev "trying to run off to other divisions"

Islam Makhachev has fulfilled his dreams by becoming the UFC lightweight champion, but despite being the undisputed king of the division, he has been criticized by a fellow 155er who believes he is running from title defenses.

The Dagestani silenced the doubters when he dominated Charles Oliveira and took his place at the top of the division, but questions have begun rising ever since. Although he welcomed the tough Alexander Volkanovski into the cage, many are belittling the titleholder for not competing against men at his own weight.

During a recent interview, soaring contender Beneil Dariush shared his frustration at Islam Makhachev calling for a shot at welterweight champion Leon Edwards' title as opposed to defending his own.

"I don't understand. What about title defenses? I don't know what's going on with him... Maybe he's having a hard time making weight at 55 and he's just like, 'Let's just go to 70 and relax.'"

"Honestly, I don't get it. I think he needs to focus on his division, there's a lot of good fighters in this division... I don't know why he's trying to run off to other divisions... You work so hard to get this belt, now you don't want to risk it and lose it, right?"

The lightweight division is congested and there are a number of competitors all waiting to be offered a shot at gold, which could be put on hold for even longer should Islam be gifted a Leon Edwards fight.

A much more likely scenario would see Islam Makhachev put his title on the line for the second time since becoming champion, though who his opponent will be is still up in the air.

Check out what Beneil Dariush had to say regarding the 155lb title picture in the video below.

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Beneil Dariush next fight: Will a win in his upcoming fight earn the challenger a shot at Islam Makhachev?

Beneil Dariush has established himself as a top contender in the lightweight division in recent years following his loss to Alexander Hernandez.

With eight straight wins under his belt, the 33-year-old is regarded by many as the rightful next title challenger, though he will have to get through his upcoming assignment first.

On May 6 at UFC 288, Dariush will welcome Charles Oliveira back into the cage for the first time since his loss to Islam Makhachev, in a bout that could potentially crown the champion's next opponent.