Islam Makhachev didn’t simply flirt with the thought of transferring up — he fulfilled it.
After years of dominating the light-weight division with surgical precision, the Dagestani star made historical past in November 2025 by capturing the UFC welterweight title in the principle occasion of UFC 322 at Madison Sq. Backyard.
His unanimous resolution win over then-champion Jack Della Maddalena solidified him as one of many uncommon fighters to carry gold in two weight courses concurrently.
The Light-weight Legacy
Makhachev’s title run was nothing in need of scientific. He stopped Charles Oliveira and twice beat Alexander Volkanovski with a mixture of exact hanging and relentless management on the mat. His endurance, steadiness, and struggle IQ made him one of many hardest puzzle solvers in UFC historical past.
By the top of his light-weight reign, there have been few contemporary challenges left at 155 kilos. Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Mateusz Gamrot had been all credible contenders, however none carried the identical weight — or legacy upside — as a transfer towards a second belt.
However vacating the light-weight title and entering into a brand new division is about greater than avoiding a tricky reduce. It’s about legacy. In a sport constructed on evolution and reinvention, champions are remembered not only for dominance, however for daring. Makhachev selected to check his abilities towards greater, stronger athletes — a call that has now paid off in historic vogue.
Dominance at 170 lbs
At UFC 322, Makhachev’s wrestling smothered Della Maddalena for 5 rounds, incomes a 50-45 sweep on all judges’ scorecards and the welterweight belt. His takedown success and high management neutralised the Australian’s energy and hanging rhythm, turning what many anticipated to be an in depth stylistic chess match right into a tactical showcase.
With this win, Makhachev entered an elite membership of two-division champions — becoming a member of legends like Georges St-Pierre, Randy Couture, Henry Cejudo, and Daniel Cormier — and tied the UFC document for many consecutive wins with 16 straight victories.
What’s Subsequent?
Now the narrative shifts from achievement to legacy cementation. Makhachev’s subsequent challenger at 170 isn’t but set in stone, however a bunch of contenders — from undefeated forces like Shavkat Rakhmonov to established vets similar to Belal Muhammad — might be subsequent in line. A matchup towards former champ Kamaru Usman has been floated, although critics argue there are extra deserving contenders on the market.
Whatever the subsequent identify referred to as, one factor is evident: Makhachev’s journey to welterweight wasn’t a gimmick — it was a career-defining chapter. By succeeding on two distinct levels, he has strengthened his case as certainly one of MMA’s most full and adaptable fighters ever. For struggle followers, it’s the type of daring evolution that retains the game’s historical past thrilling — and its future huge open.
