Islam Makhachev has formally vacated his UFC light-weight championship to maneuver as much as the welterweight division, the place he’ll problem present champion Jack Della Maddalena. The choice follows Della Maddalena’s latest win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, which cleared the trail for Makhachev’s transition to the 170-pound weight class. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the transfer, noting that Makhachev will obtain a right away title shot in his first welterweight bout.
Islam Makhachev Shifting To Welterweight
Makhachev’s supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, defined that the shift to welterweight was motivated by an absence of remaining challenges at light-weight and a need to keep away from combating his buddy and former champion, Belal Muhammad. Abdelaziz, talking to Submission Radio, said, “If Belal had gained, Islam was by no means going to compete towards him, and he would have continued within the light-weight division. However now Jack has gained. Islam has defeated everybody on this division, really. He’s on a outstanding 15-fight successful streak, ending 9 of his final ten opponents. Nobody is extra deserving of a shot at a second title than Islam.”
Ali Abdelaziz expressed sturdy confidence in Islam Makhachev’s skills at welterweight, suggesting that the transfer will reveal a good stronger model of the fighter. He stated, “I actually imagine the Islam we’re going to see at welterweight goes to be a a lot, a lot better Islam. He’s the most effective grappler within the UFC, possibly the most effective wrestlers, and we see he can knock individuals out too. He’s not only a one-dimensional fighter-he’s essentially the most well-rounded fighter within the UFC right now… If you happen to lock Islam with a gorilla in a cage, the gorilla won’t come out. That is how good Islam is.”
Islam Makhachev’s choice to vacate the light-weight title marks the top of a dominant reign. His transfer to welterweight has been anticipated for years, with teammates noting that he has lengthy thought of leaving light-weight as a result of pressure of weight slicing and an absence of recent challenges. The UFC light-weight division will now see Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira compete for the vacant title at UFC 317. In the meantime, the MMA neighborhood will watch carefully as Makhachev makes an attempt to develop into a champion in a second weight class.
