UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is not looking back at lightweight.

Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) dominated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the 170-pound title at UFC 322, a move he admits should have happened sooner. Makhachev decided to jump up a division after notching a UFC lightweight record four title defenses at UFC 311 in January.

The weight cut down to 155 pounds took a toll on the 34-year-old’s body.

“When I started, I was only dreaming of making it to the top 15 and fighting the best of the best,” Makhachev said in a recent scrum (h/t Red Corner MMA). “Then, when I entered the top 15, then the top 10, then won the belt, I started feeling that I could afford going up a weight class, gaining weight in a proper way so I could feel comfortable up there and not have to cut that much weight, and that’s how it really played out.

“In my last fight, I wasn’t smaller than my opponent. I was in the same physical condition, we were on equal terms, and I regretted a bit that I didn’t move up way before, forcing myself to cut that much weight for such a long time.”

Makhachev was asked about the superfight against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, but it won’t be easy to convince him to make the drop back down.

“As for 155, it would have to be a very good offer to make me cut down to 155 once again,” Makhachev said. “I’m not that young for this sport, and every weight cut takes a lot of health from me. It’s not as easy as it used to be.”

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev admits to one regret about UFC career