After having his first style of competing at welterweight, Islam Makhachev is able to create a dynasty for himself within the division.
Makhachev made simple work of a person many believed could be his hardest problem: Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestani suffered hardly any harm throughout his 25-minute affair with the Australian, who was unbeaten in 18 fights forward of UFC 322.
Following his dominant show on Saturday night time, questions have been raised relating to Islam Makhachev’s future.
Some imagine he has his sights set on changing into the primary man in UFC historical past to defend belts in two completely different weight courses concurrently. Others take into account his time at light-weight to be over, and now Makhachev has shared his ideas on the matter.
“Which report do we now have to beat now?” Makhachev mentioned following his historic win at UFC 322. “Another [to have the longest winning streak in UFC history]? Okay, let’s do that.”
“I am prepared, you realize. Life has modified. No extra reducing weight, and I really feel higher at welterweight.”
Islam Makhachev has far exceeded the expectations set for him after the retirement of his good buddy and coaching accomplice, Khabib Nurmagomedov, 5 years in the past.
With a complete host of recent challengers ready for him at 170, Makhachev believes his time for achievement contained in the octagon is not completed. Regardless of the numerous hungry opponents pursuing a title combat, the welterweight king insists no person within the division can deal with his degree of wrestling.
“Identical issues everyone says [is], ‘I’ll knock out Islam.’ If I keep, they are going to knock me out. However I’ll attempt one time, two occasions, thrice, I’ll [keep] going.”
“I advised you guys. In welterweight, I do not assume somebody can cease my wrestling.”
One other chance followers have thought of for Islam Makhachev is a possible transfer as much as middleweight.
Contemporary in his new weight class and feeling the healthiest he is ever felt, Makhachev shot down these rumors.
“Effectively, [Daniel Cormier] introduced me cake within the locker room,” Makhachev continued. “It may be so laborious, man. I do not know.”
“, at present I really feel nice. I really feel I am able to combat anybody, you realize. Within the light-weight [division], it is so tough to chop weight, to recuperate effectively, to indicate you good efficiency.”
“However at present I really feel [that] that is my weight division and I’ll defend my belt many occasions extra.”
Regardless of successful the title and defending it 4 occasions at light-weight, many imagine Islam Makhachev has unfinished enterprise within the division.
Ilia Topuria stays a standout identify linked to Makhachev, however the Russian’s revelation means the extremely anticipated super-fight is not prone to go forward.
All through the highest 15 in his former weight class, Makhachev has confronted simply 4 of them. Whereas a combat with the Topuria and rematches towards Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan curiosity followers, the 34-year-old’s future lies elsewhere.
Associated: Ilia Topuria reacts to ‘most boring’ Islam Makhachev successful UFC welterweight title
The welterweight division is stacked with rising stars, and with a goal now painted on his again, Islam Makhachev can have no bother discovering a prepared title challenger.
Michael Morales and Carlos Prates had career-defining victories at UFC 322, each successful with highlight-reel knockouts.
Ian Machado Garry, Gabriel Bonfim, and Shavkat Rakhmonov additionally function surging abilities able to make the following step of their careers.
Alongside names hoping to in the future maintain UFC gold, Islam Makhachev has entered a division with a number of former champions.
Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad have each sat atop the welterweight division, and never solely have they got big-fight pedigrees, however they’re additionally well-rounded fighters with high-level wrestling.
Whereas his subsequent opponent hasn’t been confirmed but, one factor is for positive: Islam Makhachev’s time competing at light-weight has come to an finish.
