Islam Makhachev is transferring as much as welterweight to change into a two-division champion and he’s already benefiting from his choice in struggle camp.
In the principle occasion of UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York, Makhachev fights champion Jack Della Maddalena with the 170-pound title on the road. Makhachev started 2025 on the high of the light-weight heap and after a profitable title protection towards Renato Moicano in January, he made the choice to maneuver up from 155 kilos to tackle Della Maddalena.
Makhachev spoke to ESPN in regards to the modifications he’s needed to make to accommodate the soar to welterweight and he’s assured a much less strenuous weight lower will profit him on struggle evening.
“Nobody who cuts, like, 10 kg. [approx. 22 pounds], greater than 10 kg., they by no means get well 100%,” Makhachev stated. “I nonetheless really feel I get well for the struggle, like, perhaps 70, 60 p.c, as a result of it’s so onerous to get well in 30 hours. Now, I’m very excited to see how I’m going to really feel within the cage.”
If Makhachev was diminished at light-weight, it was troublesome to inform primarily based on his performances. After dropping in his UFC debut to Adriano Martins again in October 2015, Makhachev has rattled off 15 straight victories, together with 5 straight wins in light-weight title fights. His professional report stands at 27-1.
It’s within the later rounds towards Della Maddalena that Makhachev expects his bodily change to pay dividends essentially the most.
“Let’s see after the second spherical if it occurs,” Makhachev stated. “After the second spherical, after the third spherical, like champion’s rounds. Let’s see as a result of I already really feel it within the camp. How is my my restoration, how is my feeling after the third spherical? I feel it’s going to be one thing new for me.”
As at all times, Makhachev could have UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov in his nook. Makhachev has lengthy been thought to be the non secular successor to Nurmagomedov, who went 29-0 in his profession primarily using his wrestling to floor, neutralize, and dominate opponents.
If the whole lot goes in line with Nurmagomedov’s gameplan, Makhachev will do the very same factor to Della Maddalena on struggle evening.
“It’s not a secret,” Makhachev stated. “[Nurmagomedov] informed me take him down, attempt to take him down and make him drained. I feel I can end him on the bottom. I can choke him, do an armbar, one thing. I noticed his expertise on the bottom. He’s good, however I’ve one thing extra.”
