Former UFC champion questions Islam Makhachev's chances of success at welterweight: 'Big mistake'

Islam makhachev is the next challenger for the welterweight title. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

The decision to abandon the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) to pursue the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) may have been a big mistake on the part of Islam makhachev. At least that's what the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and current UFC commentator thinks. Michael Bisping.

In a recent edition of his podcast 'Believe You Me', the British fighter commented on a recent statement made by the welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, who mocked the size of his next rival. Bisping compared the Russian's situation to that of Alexander Volkanovsky, who twice unsuccessfully tried to win the lightweight belt against the same Makhachev while holding the featherweight title.

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"I think he (Della Maddalena) has a point. He has a point because we see Volk, we all love Volk, he's incredible, but if you've ever been around him, you realize he's not a very big man. He's the man, but a small guy. In that first fight with Islam, he gave everything he had. Jack Della Maddalena He's not a small welterweight. It may have been a big mistake for Islam to move up. It may have been overkill, but I respect him for it," the former champion emphasized.

Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena do not yet have a date for their match.

Lightweight champion for almost three years, Islam makhachev relinquished his title in May of this year with the goal of moving up to welterweight. The Russian's resignation came days after Jack Della Maddalena dethrone Belal Muhammad | and become champion of the up to 77 kg division.

Although the fight hasn't yet been made official, it's virtually guaranteed that Makhachev will be the first challenger to the Australian's title. The fight is still a work in progress, but the Russian has already expressed interest in competing at Madison Square Garden or Abu Dhabi, events that traditionally take place in November and October, respectively.