Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Islam Makhachev promised and kept his word at UFC 330. In the main event held last Saturday (15), in Philadelphia (USA), the Russian defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision, defended the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) for the first time and is already thinking about his next opponent, who will possibly be Carlos Prates or Michael Morales . But Joe Rogan suggests that it would be better for the champion to rethink his path.
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Speaking to the 'UFC on Paramount+' channel, the commentator advised Makhachev to abandon the welterweight division and return to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg). It's true that, in his current weight class, the Russian has won both of his fights, dominating Jack Della Maddalena and controlling Machado Garry. However, Rogan emphasizes that the duel against the Irishman wasn't so easy for the legendary fighter, who left with scratches and bruises.
In the lightweight division, Makhachev used his physical advantage to dominate his rivals, frequently finishing and knocking them out. Not surprisingly, the Russian is the champion in that weight class with the most title defenses in UFC history (4). However, despite his performances and achievements, the professional has guaranteed he will not return to that weight class. Therefore, Rogan believes Islam will have even more work to do in his upcoming fights at welterweight.
“He did what he had to do and was really tested in ways we hadn’t seen before. It was a tough fight. Although he won by a good margin, a comfortable margin, there were moments when, used to seeing Makhachev with a certain control and dominance, we realized he didn’t seem to have that over the bigger guys. And this is the issue when he moved up to welterweight,” said the commentator.
“There’s a significant difference in the amount of strain his body endures. The price he has to pay to control these bigger, stronger guys. Look what he did to Poirier and Charles. He crushes them when he’s on top. That’s the difference between him at lightweight and welterweight. I understand what he wants to do and I understand that he wants this, but if I were in his corner, I’d be like, ‘Maybe…’”, he concluded.
Makhachev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Makhachev's history in MMA
Islam Makhachev , 34, is a UFC double champion and an MMA legend. With four successful title defenses, the Russian holds the record in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). He began his career in the sport in 2010 and debuted in the UFC's biggest organization in 2015.
In this discipline, Khabib Nurmagomedov 's friend built a record of 29 wins and one loss. The welterweight champion's main victories were over Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Arman Tsarukyan , Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Ian Machado Garry , Jack Della Maddalena , and Renato Moicano.
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