Islam Makhachev Targets Peak Performance and Historic Two-Division Reign, Citing Welterweight Move's Impact on Fight Night Readiness.

Islam Makhachev, the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Champion, is poised to embark on a quest for a second divisional title, a move he believes will unlock his full physical potential on fight night. The Dagestani phenom is scheduled to challenge Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322 on November 15 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. This pivotal bout marks Makhachev’s debut at 170 pounds, a strategic decision he attributes to the debilitating effects of his previous weight cuts.

Makhachev’s transition to the welterweight division comes after a dominant run at 155 pounds, where he established himself as one of the sport’s most formidable figures. After a successful title defense earlier in the year against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June, Makhachev made the definitive choice to pursue championship gold in a heavier weight class. The primary motivation, as he openly discussed with ESPN, centers on mitigating the severe physical toll exacted by extreme weight reduction.

"No one who cuts, like, 10 kg. [approximately 22 pounds], more than 10 kg., they never recover 100 percent," Makhachev stated, shedding light on the harsh realities of professional mixed martial arts. "I still feel I recover for the fight, like, maybe 70, 60 percent, because it’s so hard to recover in 30 hours. Now, I’m very excited to see how I’m going to feel in the cage."

This candid admission from Makhachev provides a rare glimpse into the physiological compromises even elite athletes endure. Weight cutting, a pervasive practice in combat sports, involves rapid dehydration and calorie restriction to meet a specific weight class, followed by a frantic rehydration period. While fighters often employ sophisticated methods involving nutritionists and sports scientists, the human body has limits. Severe dehydration can lead to a myriad of issues, including reduced blood volume, electrolyte imbalances, impaired cognitive function, decreased muscle strength, and significantly compromised cardiovascular endurance. The 30-hour window Makhachev referenced is the critical period between official weigh-ins and the fight itself, where fighters attempt to replenish fluids and energy reserves. His estimation of only 60-70 percent recovery underscores the substantial physiological deficit he believes he carried into his lightweight contests.

Related News :

The revelation is particularly striking given Makhachev’s unparalleled success at 155 pounds. Following a solitary loss in his UFC debut against Adriano Martins in October 2015, Makhachev embarked on an extraordinary 15-fight winning streak, a run that includes five consecutive lightweight title defenses. His professional record currently stands at an impressive 27-1. This record features victories over some of the division’s most dangerous contenders and former champions, including Charles Oliveira, two wins against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, and most recently, Dustin Poirier. The sheer dominance displayed in these bouts – often characterized by relentless grappling pressure, suffocating control, and opportunistic submissions – made it exceedingly difficult for observers to detect any physical impairment. Yet, Makhachev maintains that his peak performance was consistently curtailed by the demands of making weight.

The anticipation surrounding Makhachev’s welterweight debut is amplified by his expectation of tangible benefits, particularly in the championship rounds. "Let’s see after the second round if it happens," he remarked, referring to the effects of a less strenuous cut. "After the second round, after the third round, like champion’s rounds. Let’s see because I already feel it in the camp. How is my recovery, how is my feeling after the third round? I think it’s going to be something new for me."

This sentiment suggests a potential for enhanced stamina and sustained explosiveness, critical components for a grappling-heavy fighter like Makhachev. The ability to maintain a high pace and execute demanding takedowns and submission attempts deep into a fight could prove decisive against welterweight opponents, who are naturally larger and often possess greater knockout power than their lightweight counterparts. For a fighter whose strategy often involves grinding down opponents with relentless pressure, an improved recovery and energy reserve could translate directly into more effective and prolonged offensive output.

Standing across the Octagon from Makhachev will be Jack Della Maddalena, a formidable welterweight champion with a professional record of 17-2. Della Maddalena, known for his crisp striking and powerful hands, has quickly ascended the welterweight ranks, showcasing a blend of technical boxing and aggressive finishing instincts. His recent victories have cemented his status as a top contender, and his title win against Colby Covington earlier in the year demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. The stylistic clash between Makhachev’s wrestling and Della Maddalena’s striking promises a compelling contest, with both fighters aiming to impose their primary weapon.

As always, Makhachev will have the unwavering support and strategic guidance of his mentor and long-time friend, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, in his corner. Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated with a pristine 29-0 record, primarily utilized a suffocating wrestling and ground-and-pound game to dominate and neutralize opponents throughout his career. Makhachev has long been regarded as the spiritual successor to Nurmagomedov, embodying the same discipline, work ethic, and Dagestani wrestling philosophy that defined Khabib’s reign. The influence of the Dagestani combat sports culture, with its emphasis on relentless grappling, mental fortitude, and a strong team ethos, is evident in Makhachev’s approach to fighting.

Nurmagomedov’s gameplan for Della Maddalena, as revealed by Makhachev, adheres to the familiar and highly effective blueprint. "It’s not a secret," Makhachev confirmed. "[Nurmagomedov] told me take him down, try to take him down and make him tired. I think I can finish him on the ground. I can choke him, do an armbar, something. I saw his skills on the ground. He’s good, but I have something more." This straightforward, yet profoundly difficult-to-execute strategy, has been the cornerstone of Makhachev’s success. The confidence in his ground superiority, even against a champion of Della Maddalena’s caliber, underscores the belief in his skills and the efficacy of his training. The reduced impact of the weight cut is expected to further empower Makhachev to execute this demanding strategy for the full 25 minutes, allowing him to maintain the relentless pace required to "make him tired."

The pursuit of a second divisional title places Makhachev in an elite fraternity of UFC athletes. Historically, achieving "champ-champ" status is one of the most revered accomplishments in mixed martial arts, previously attained by legends such as Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, and Jon Jones. These fighters demonstrated not only exceptional skill but also the adaptability and physical prowess to compete and dominate across different weight classes. For Makhachev, success at welterweight would not only solidify his legacy but also potentially pave the way for a new era of dominance, free from the constraints of a severe weight cut.

UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden presents a momentous occasion for Makhachev to validate his strategic move and potentially redefine his physical capabilities. The fight against Jack Della Maddalena is not merely a contest for the welterweight title; it is a testament to Makhachev’s unwavering ambition and his belief that, unburdened by the extreme demands of lightweight, his true potential is yet to be fully unleashed. The combat sports world will be watching to see if a healthier, fully recovered Islam Makhachev can indeed translate his newfound physical freedom into a historic second championship belt.