Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev may face a significant challenge if he moves up to the welterweight division, particularly against the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev, currently ranked as the #1 pound-for-pound fighter, has expressed interest in moving up in weight for some time. With his friend Belal Muhammad no longer holding the welterweight belt, the opportunity might now be open for him to make that step.
Following the events of UFC 315, it`s widely anticipated that Islam Makhachev will likely challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, potentially after vacating his lightweight championship.
Makhachev is recognized as one of the most complete fighters in mixed martial arts today, with impressive title defenses against top competitors such as former featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano.
Despite his dominance at lightweight, one former UFC title challenger questions whether Makhachev`s power and ability to absorb strikes will translate effectively against larger opponents in the 170-pound division.
Kenny Florian Expresses Concern About Makhachev Withstanding Welterweight Power
UFC veteran and analyst Kenny Florian, who has experience competing across four different weight classes himself (middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight), weighed in on the potential move.
Florian notably challenged for titles in both the lightweight (vs. BJ Penn in 2009) and featherweight (vs. Jose Aldo in 2011) divisions. He also participated in the inaugural season of `The Ultimate Fighter` in 2005.
Speaking about Makhachev potentially facing the heavy-handed boxer Della Maddalena, Florian shared his perspective on the Anik & Florian Podcast:
“Based on his grappling and well roundedness and experience, I think that he could definitely pose some problems for JDM.”
However, he added a crucial caveat: “I would say this—I don’t think he could dole out the same level of power as some of the 170lbers, and I also don’t think he can take [or] withstand the same kind of shots.”
Florian emphasized the difference in durability: “I have a hard time believing that there’s any 155er in the world that could take the same kind of shots that Belal Muhammad took in that fight on Saturday night. Belal has a legendary chin at this point.”
He recalled a specific moment: “There was a series of three right hands. I have chills thinking about it that Belal ate [it], and he kept coming forward. I was just thinking, how the hell did he take one of those, let alone three? I don’t see any lightweight in the world taking those shots.”
Florian concluded by stressing the significance of weight differences in combat sports:
“I can’t stress this enough. Every pound matters in this sport…”
“There’s a 15 pound difference between 155 and 170, not 10 pounds, and that matters for a lot.”
Examples of Lightweights Moving to Welterweight
Throughout UFC history, several prominent lightweights have made the move up to the welterweight division, experiencing varied levels of success.
For instance, former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos successfully transitioned, winning his first three fights at welterweight against notable contenders, including a former champion.
Gilbert Burns, a former lightweight, also found significant success at welterweight, going on a four-fight winning streak that earned him a title shot against the dominant Kamaru Usman.
Conversely, former lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee attempted a move to welterweight but struggled, losing all three of his fights in the division.
While Islam Makhachev competes at an exceptionally high level, how he adapts to the size and power of welterweights like Jack Della Maddalena remains to be seen.
Rupert Hartwell