Islam Makhachev has ambitions of making a huge slice of UFC history, so he took the step of increasing weight. It is not easy to gain weight, but it has been easy to lose weight.
Makhachev was the lightweight champion till he relinquished this belt to pursue a 170-pound title. According to him, losing weight is never a problem; gaining weight is a more difficult task.
I want to get bigger – but it is no easy job, man,” he told me. I have been cutting weight all my life. I no longer want to bulk up, and now my weight does not change anymore.”
He has gone as far as working with trainers and putting in extra effort in the gym, yet he has only increased weight by a few pounds. Not to appear heavier, he will not eat junk food. He explained that instead of trying to just GAIN weight, I want to add real muscle clean through proper lifting and training.
Fight-Week Diet Drama is Dead: Good News
It is not easy to bulk up, but now there is a positive side to the same, i.e., Makhachev is no longer bound to a strict diet. On the same old weight, he used to have teammates, who had to cook different meals since he was unable to eat the food they ate. Now he is able to eat with them.
I will be there as well as you enjoying yourself, said he. Such a switch would possibly also give him more happiness and energy during the octagon fight.
Legacy on the Line: MSG Dream Fight is in the Making
Makhachev is not climbing up to feel comfortable; he is pursuing legacy. Having relinquished his lightweight title, he has already requested Dana White to introduce a bout with Jack Della Maddalena, who was recently crowned a UFC welterweight champion. Makhachev particularly seeks the combat at the mythic Madison Square Garden.
Makhachev further jokingly said, “I asked Dana whether we have a chance to fight in Madison Square Garden.” He is fighting over there because of the legacy, and I also want to fight over there and achieve my legacy to become a two-time world champion in Madison Square Garden.
Dana White seems to approve of it as he answers Helen Yee, saying 100 per cent, when asked whether they would host the Makhachev-Della Maddalena title fight this November.
The Lightweight Picture: Topuria Bragging the Throne
As Makhachev abdicates the 155 throne, a new king has taken control. In UFC 317, Ilia Topuria knocked out the ex-champion Charles Oliveira in the opening round to win the lightweight title that was empty. A two-weight division champion himself, Topuria is currently 17-0 and could be Makhachev’s next contestant in either weight division.
Nonetheless, Topuria has clarified that in case Makhachev loses his quest in the welterweight division, he will be forced to gain a 2nd shot at the title by winning a regular contest.
Topuria: I will not get him anything, and as long as he loses, I do not give him anything, said he in a press conference. And may he take his place in line.
What’s Next: Collision Course or Crossroads?
And following Makhachev and Topuria each taking world titles in the world of the UFC, a champion-versus-champion superfight is already an issue that many fans are speculating about. However, before that, the two competitors should continue their winning streaks, and Makhachev should get established in the 145-weight division.
At this point, Makhachev is ensuring that he is getting stronger, does not take shortcuts, and leaves a positive legacy in one of the most iconic combat sports arenas. The next step for Islam Makhachev is going to be quite exciting, whatever he does to fix another belt or concentrate on the forbidden path to the head of lightweights.
