The story of Islam Makhachev has changed dramatically in the last few months. Makhachev, who was once renowned for his almost unstoppable dominance in the lightweight class, is now making headlines in the UFC for a very ambitious reason: his transition to welterweight. The choice was made because he wanted to push himself past his current level of comfort rather than out of need.
Makhachev isn’t backing down by giving up his lightweight title after four incredibly successful title defenses. Rather, he is purposefully raising the standard. Fans who were keeping tabs on his weight might not have been surprised by this change. Since he had publicly acknowledged that he was walking around weighing close to 180 pounds, the weight reduction to 155 was not only taxing but also becoming unsustainable. Although common in MMA, this type of weight management frequently results in diminishing returns.
After years of rigorous training under greats like Javier Mendez and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Makhachev honed his fighting technique, which was based on mastery of submission, control, and calculated pressure. His wins have frequently resembled grappling clinics rather than fights, and he is especially creative in the way he applies positional wrestling and clinch work.
Personal and Professional Bio Table:
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev |
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Current Weight Class | Welterweight (formerly Lightweight) |
| UFC Record | 27 Wins – 1 Loss |
| Fighting Style | Combat Sambo, Wrestling |
| Teams | Eagles MMA, American Kickboxing Academy |
| UFC Lightweight Titles | 1 (vacated in May 2025 after four successful defenses) |
| Signature Submissions | Arm-triangle choke, Brabo choke, Kimura |
| Notable Wins | Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier |
| UFC Debut | May 23, 2015, vs. Leo Kuntz (Win by submission) |
| Current Ranking | #2 UFC Men’s Pound-for-Pound (as of July 2025) |
| Reference | Islam Makhachev – Wikipedia |
His fifth-round D’Arce choke victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 served as a lesson in timing, patience, and perseverance in addition to being a victory. His reputation was further cemented when he received the “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses for that performance. Even devoted followers were taken aback by his decision to step down from the title soon after.
In the annals of UFC history, Makhachev’s move is clearly reminiscent of fighters who climbed weight classes in an attempt to leave a more lasting legacy, such as Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Conor McGregor. However, Islam’s transition seems remarkably similar to Khabib’s last stage—a fighter at the height of power who decides to forge a new route rather than continue on the path of dominance.
In contrast to Cormier’s size-driven shifts or McGregor’s flamboyant transitions, Makhachev’s decision seems incredibly well-considered. It’s especially evident from looking at his sparring sessions and training camp photos that he’s not just bulking; rather, he’s shaping his body for power without compromising speed. Because of this, his impending matchup with Jack Della Maddalena is more than just a title fight; it’s a test of whether exceptional lightweight grappling can hold up against welterweight explosiveness.
Makhachev’s weight loss to 170 pounds signifies more than just a physical change. It’s a leap in psychology. The mental strain of defending a title is a common topic among fighters. Perhaps it was time for Makhachev to take a break and refocus after defending against the division’s elite on numerous occasions, from Alexander Volkanovski’s quick pressure to Charles Oliveira’s slick jiu-jitsu.
The choice to give up the lightweight title has liberated him, and it’s surprisingly inexpensive compared to the psychological toll of defending another title. Makhachev is now entering a division full of new challenges rather than rematches. Higher stakes are promised in this chapter with potential contenders like Colby Covington, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Kamaru Usman.
The MMA scene has changed significantly since the announcement of Makhachev vs. Maddalena as the main event of UFC 317. Critics are interested, fans are thrilled, and other fighters are keeping a close eye on them. Few fighters have dominated one division over the last ten years and transitioned smoothly into another without experiencing a decline in performance. Makhachev wants to become a member of that exclusive group.
Additionally, his action is indicative of a larger cultural change in combat sports. Static dominance is no longer enough for today’s champions. They are drawn to evolution. These shifts, such as Islam’s aspirations to compete at welterweight or Ilia Topuria’s featherweight breakthrough, reflect a generation of fighters who place a higher value on legacy and adaptability than on safe longevity.
Islam has transformed from Khabib’s protégé to a stand-alone superstar, demonstrating remarkable success in rebranding his own career trajectory. He now exemplifies the ideal of every Dagestani fighter: self-disciplined, modest, and relentless. His striking has also significantly improved, making him especially dangerous in this new weight class where accuracy frequently triumphs over force, even though his grappling foundation is still based in Sambo.
His journey is made more authentic by his personal story, which is full of early hardships, intense training, and cultural pride. From being a security guard who trained at night to winning the UFC’s pound-for-pound title, Makhachev continues to be an inspiration, particularly for young athletes in areas that are frequently ignored by the mainstream sports media.
He is broadening his horizons by switching weight classes rather than letting go of his history. Everyone’s eyes will be on UFC 317 in the upcoming months. The argument over which MMA fighters are the best of all time will drastically shift if Makhachev prevails. Even if he makes mistakes, his tale will be remembered for its extraordinary ambition and daring reimagining.
