Champions are always seeking new challenges in MMA. But what happens when a fighter has dominated their division so thoroughly that they need to look elsewhere for competition? This is an intriguing situation for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Known for his suffocating grappling and relentless pressure, Makhachev has been a force to be reckoned with at 155 pounds. Now, his coach Javier Mendez has dropped a bombshell that’s got fight fans buzzing.
Mendez recently hinted at the possibility of Makhachev making a dramatic leap to middleweight. Yes, you read that right – not welterweight, but middleweight. It’s a move that would see Makhachev jump two weight classes. Talk about ambition!
“Maybe Islam gains weight and goes 185. I mean, he’d have to gain weight, obviously, because that’s a little big for him. You never know. He’s that good. Pound-for-pound No. 1 for a reason,” Mendez said via Red Corner MMA.
Javier Mendez suggested that after matching the lightweight title defense record, Makhachev might consider bulking up. This potential move isn’t just coming out of thin air. Makhachev had previously expressed an interest in becoming a two-division champion. However, his plans hit a snag when his friend Belal Muhammad won the welterweight title.
With that door closed, it seems Team Makhachev is thinking even bigger. But before fans get ahead of ourselves, there’s still work to be done at lightweight. Mendez emphasized that Islam Makhachev needs to face Arman Tsarukyan next. Fans highly anticipate this rematch, which could solidify Makhachev’s legacy at 155 pounds, making it easier to transition to the much heavier 185-pound division.
Belal Muhammad Believes Islam Makhachev Has What It Takes To Be Middleweight Champion
Every so often, a fighter comes along, making fans wonder – how high can they climb? Enter Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion. With his dominant grappling and ever-improving striking, he has cemented himself as one of the best fighters in the division. Now, a fellow fighter believes Makhachev could shake up not just one but two divisions above his current weight class.
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Belal Muhammad, the new welterweight champion, recently dropped a bombshell that’s got fight fans buzzing. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Muhammad suggested that Makhachev could skip the welterweight division entirely. Instead, he believes the Dagestani phenom could jump straight to middleweight and dethrone the current champion.
“But honestly, he could go up to 185 and beat [Dricus] du Plessis right now. I think he’s that good, really. I think he could go up there and be that two-division champ. Skip over 170 for a little bit; let me beat a couple of these younger guys, and then I’ll go up to 185,” said Muhammad.
This isn’t just idle speculation from Muhammad. He has been in the trenches with Makhachev, training alongside him. So, his insight carries weight, given his own success in the welterweight division. Fans will have to wait and see if they spot a massive Islam Makhachev in the coming months!
