Picture this: a UFC superstar so unstoppable that he's eyeing crowns in not one, but two divisions—yet his latest leap could redefine everything we know about mixed martial arts. But here's where it gets controversial... is moving up in weight a brilliant strategy or a risky gamble that might expose his weaknesses? Stick around, because Islam Makhachev's bold shift to welterweight for UFC 322 is sparking heated debates among fans and fighters alike.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion until recently, is stepping into uncharted territory for his sixth consecutive title bout at UFC 322. This isn't just another defense of his belt—oh no, he's aiming higher, challenging the current welterweight king, Jack Della Maddalena, in a bid to become a two-division champion. To put this in perspective for newcomers to the sport, think of it like a basketball player switching positions: Makhachev has dominated at 155 pounds (lightweight), but now he's bulking up to 170 pounds (welterweight) to take on the division's top dog. It's a thrilling evolution that could cement his legacy if he pulls it off.
He gave up his lightweight title earlier this year, right after Della Maddalena claimed it by defeating Belal Muhammad in a grueling five-round slugfest at UFC 315 back in May. That fight, by the way, was a blood-soaked battle royale that showcased Della Maddalena's toughness—imagine two warriors trading blows under the bright lights, with the new champ proving he can endure the highest levels of pressure. Fast-forward five months, and Makhachev's transformation has everyone buzzing ahead of his welterweight debut.
And this is the part most people miss... fans aren't just noticing the change; they're dissecting every detail of his new physique. Just over a month before UFC 322, Makhachev was spotted in Dubai, engaging in some beach wrestling that revealed a version of himself fans hadn't seen in a while. Not his typical bulky fight camp look, this outing was captured in a video shared on Kris Fade's Instagram story, giving us a sneak peek into his preparation.
The reactions on social media have been electric. One fan tweeted, 'Looks like a middleweight,' hinting at how much larger Makhachev appears compared to his usual lean frame. Another chimed in, 'Probably the first time in years he’s feeling healthy,' suggesting that the extra weight might mean he's no longer starving himself to make the lightweight limit—a practice that can drain fighters' energy. They added, 'We’ll probably see the best Islam ever, since he doesn’t need to die to make weight,' pointing out the potential for better performance without the grueling weight cuts that often leave athletes weak before a fight.
Yet another observer warned, 'Moving up to welterweight clearly suits him, and if his power scales with that extra size, things could get dangerous at UFC 322,' raising the exciting possibility that Makhachev's punches and takedowns could become even more devastating at this higher weight class. For beginners wondering why this matters, weight classes in MMA are like leagues in sports: they ensure fair matchups, but jumping divisions can amplify strengths— or reveal vulnerabilities if the opponent adapts better.
But here's where it gets really controversial: not everyone is betting on Makhachev. Beneil Dariush, the #9 contender in the lightweight division, predicts we'll be hearing the words 'And Still' after the main event, meaning Della Maddalena will retain his title. Dariush, who once boldly claimed he'd knock out Makhachev on short notice, was actually passed over for a title shot at UFC 311 when Renato Moicano stepped in after Arman Tsarukyan's injury withdrawal. Now, when asked about the upcoming clash between Della Maddalena and Makhachev next month, Dariush leans toward the reigning champion.
'I’m gonna lean towards JDM,' Dariush told Helen Yee, referring to Jack Della Maddalena by his initials. He explained that the size difference could play a huge role—think of it as David versus Goliath, but with skills so finely honed that experience might tip the scales. 'Cardio-wise, I think JDM has great cardio,' Dariush added, noting that endurance could wear down Makhachev in a longer fight. He even admitted a touch of doubt with 'Maybe I’m wrong…' before sticking to his prediction that Della Maddalena will triumph.
This pick flies in the face of Makhachev's undefeated streak and his prowess in submissions, but it opens up a whole can of worms: Is Dariush's bias from being overlooked influencing his view? Could Makhachev's move up actually make him stronger, or will it slow him down against a fresher, more cardio-savvy opponent? What do you think—will Makhachev conquer two divisions, or is Della Maddalena's home turf advantage too much to ignore? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you agree with Dariush, or do you see Makhachev dominating? Let's debate!
