Why is Islam Makhachev considering a move to welterweight?
Makhachev has hinted at the move due to the difficulty of cutting weight to 155 lbs and the possibility of holding a second UFC belt.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
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MMA / UFC
Islam Makhachev's Welterweight Ambitions: Obstacles and Opinions
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has hinted at a move to the welterweight division, sparking debate and speculation within the MMA community. This potential shift raises questions about his future opponents and the challenges he wou...
Key Insights
- Islam Makhachev is considering a move to welterweight, potentially to fight for a second UFC belt.
- Belal Muhammad, a teammate of Makhachev and current welterweight champion, has expressed reluctance to fight him.
- Ian Machado Garry believes Makhachev would be a 'disaster' for welterweights, citing his well-rounded skills.
- Makhachev faces potential lightweight title challengers, including Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan, but cutting weight to 155 lbs is a concern.
- Belal Muhammad argues Ilia Topuria should earn a lightweight title shot before facing Makhachev, as Topuria vacated his featherweight title.
In-Depth Analysis
Islam Makhachev's potential move to welterweight is complicated by his teammate Belal Muhammad's position as champion. Muhammad has even suggested moving up to middleweight to avoid a fight with Makhachev, highlighting the loyalty within their training camp.
Ian Machado Garry welcomes Makhachev to the division, acknowledging his skills and the challenge he would pose to other fighters. Garry believes Makhachev's grappling and striking abilities would make him a formidable opponent at 170 pounds.
However, Makhachev's focus on welterweight faces criticism due to the presence of established lightweight contenders. Belal Muhammad points out that Makhachev has 'nothing to gain' from fighting featherweight converts like Ilia Topuria, arguing that Makhachev should face top lightweights like Justin Gaethje or Arman Tsarukyan to solidify his legacy.
The situation is further complicated by Ilia Topuria's desire for an immediate title shot at lightweight, despite vacating his featherweight title. Muhammad believes Topuria should prove himself at 155 pounds before challenging Makhachev for the belt.
FAQ
What are the potential obstacles to Makhachev's welterweight ambitions?
Belal Muhammad's reluctance to fight Makhachev and the presence of deserving lightweight contenders complicate his move.
What does Ian Machado Garry think of Makhachev moving to welterweight?
Garry believes Makhachev would be a 'disaster' for the division due to his exceptional skills.
Takeaways
- Islam Makhachev's potential move to welterweight remains uncertain due to various factors.
- His teammate, Belal Muhammad, is a significant obstacle, as he is the current welterweight champion.
- Makhachev has several options at lightweight, including rematches and new contenders, which he may pursue instead.
Discussion
Do you think Islam Makhachev will move to welterweight? Who should he fight next? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Ian Machado Garry: Islam Makhachev would be 'an absolute disaster' for all welterweights
Islam Makhachev's welterweight ambitions face new obstacle after Belal Muhammad's latest comments
Belal Muhammad scoffs at Ilia Topuria getting immediate title shot, Islam Makhachev has ‘nothing to gain’ from that fight
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