Islam Makhachev has simply begun experimenting with creatine. The UFC’s former light-weight champion has found one thing that’s been sitting in complement aisles for many years: creatine really works. Islam Makhachev, now getting ready for his welterweight debut in opposition to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, revealed throughout an ESPN interview that he’s utilizing the complement for the primary time in his profession and seeing real outcomes.
The Creatine Experiment That Has Islam Makhachev Feeling Like a New Fighter
Transferring from light-weight to welterweight requires gaining vital mass, and Makhachev has been candid about how grueling the method has develop into. The load achieve battle intensified over his first coaching camp, the place he began working with notably greater sparring companions and utterly overhauled his coaching regime. That’s when creatine entered the image.
“I’m utilizing creatine for the primary time in my life, nearly every single day. It’s the primary complement the place I really see actual modifications. It helps with restoration, helps achieve weight, provides power.”
A fighter who’s dominated the light-weight division for years instantly discovering that one of the studied, elementary dietary supplements really delivers on its guarantees.
What makes this notably fascinating is his emphasis on restoration. At light-weight, Makhachev revealed he was working at roughly 60-70% capability as a result of brutal weight reduce. The previous champion had mere 30 hours to recuperate between the dimensions and the struggle, an element he believes compromised his efficiency throughout his complete reign.
“It’s very laborious to achieve weight once you’re coaching twice a day. I wish to weigh round 87 kg, and about 83 kg throughout struggle week. The load reduce shall be very straightforward.”
By transferring to welterweight and supplementing correctly, Makhachev anticipates dramatically improved restoration, notably within the championship rounds the place his opponents may need traditionally discovered alternatives. Whether or not this interprets to victory in opposition to Della Maddalena stays to be seen.

Creatine
Creatine monohydrate enhances athletic efficiency by way of elevated phosphocreatine retailer. For UFC fighters coaching twice every day, this implies higher power beneficial properties and sooner restoration between periods. The complement will increase muscle water content material, supporting progress whereas sustaining conditioning, essential when transferring weight courses. Research doc 5-15% enhancements in power and energy output, margins that matter at championship stage. Creatine additionally reduces muscle injury markers and accelerates power system restoration after intense sparring. For Makhachev transitioning to welterweight whereas gaining mass, creatine effectively bridges the hole between weight achieve and efficiency upkeep.











