After having his first style of competing at welterweight, Islam Makhachev is able to create a dynasty for himself within the division.
Makhachev made straightforward work of a person many believed could be his hardest problem: Jack Della Maddalena. The Dagestani suffered hardly any injury throughout his 25-minute affair with the Australian, who was unbeaten in 18 fights forward of UFC 322.
Following his dominant show on Saturday evening, questions have been raised concerning Islam Makhachev’s future.Â
Some imagine he has his sights set on turning into the primary man in UFC historical past to defend belts in two totally different weight lessons 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 now we have to beat now?” Makhachev stated following his historic win at UFC 322. “Yet one more [to have the longest winning streak in UFC history]? Okay, let’s do that.”
“I am prepared, you recognize. Life has modified. No extra chopping 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 companion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, 5 years in the past.
With a whole host of recent challengers ready for him at 170, Makhachev believes his time for fulfillment contained in the octagon is not completed. Regardless of the various hungry opponents pursuing a title battle, the welterweight king insists no person within the division can deal with his stage of wrestling.
“Identical issues everyone says [is], ‘I will knock out Islam.’ If I keep, they’ll knock me out. However I will attempt one time, two occasions, 3 times, I will [keep] going.”
“I instructed you guys. In welterweight, I do not suppose somebody can cease my wrestling.”
One other risk followers have thought-about 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.
“Nicely, [Daniel Cormier] introduced me cake within the locker room,” Makhachev continued. “It is going to be so laborious, man. I do not know.”
“You recognize, right this moment I really feel nice. I really feel I am able to battle anybody, you recognize. Within the light-weight [division], it is so tough to chop weight, to get well nicely, to indicate you good efficiency.”
“However right this moment I really feel [that] that is my weight division and I will 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 title 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 battle 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 keen 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 subsequent 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 certain: Islam Makhachev’s time competing at light-weight has come to an finish.
