Islam Makhachev could face a tough challenge if he moves up to fight Jack Della Maddalena in the welterweight division.
The UFC Lightweight Champion, currently ranked as the number one 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 seem right for Makhachev to make his move.
Following the events of UFC 315, Islam Makhachev is widely expected to challenge the new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, next, particularly after vacating his lightweight title earlier in the week.
Makhachev is recognized as one of the most complete fighters in mixed martial arts today, with significant title victories over the reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, as well as former featherweights Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano.
However, despite his clear dominance at lightweight, a former UFC title challenger who has competed across multiple divisions raises questions about how Makhachev`s power and ability to absorb significant strikes will translate against larger opponents at 170 pounds.
Kenny Florian Expresses Concern About Islam Makhachev`s Durability at Welterweight
UFC veteran and current analyst Kenny Florian has extensive experience fighting in various weight classes.
Florian previously challenged for the lightweight belt against BJ Penn in 2009 and the featherweight belt against Jose Aldo in 2011. Years later, his teammate Aiemann Zahabi earned a victory at UFC 315.
A participant in the inaugural season of `The Ultimate Fighter` in 2005, Florian also competed at middleweight and welterweight during his UFC career.
Sharing his thoughts on Makhachev potentially facing a powerful striker like Della Maddalena at welterweight, Florian commented 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,” Florian stated.
“However, 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.”
He added, “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.”
“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 emphasized.
Florian continued to stress the importance 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,” he explained.
How Have Other Lightweight Stars Fared at Welterweight?
Throughout UFC history, several notable lightweights have transitioned to the welterweight division, with mixed results.
For example, former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos successfully moved up, winning his first three bouts at welterweight against established contenders and former champion Robbie Lawler.
Gilbert Burns, who headlined a recent event, also climbed the ranks in the welterweight division after previously competing at lightweight. He secured four consecutive wins to earn a title shot against the all-time great Kamaru Usman.
However, former lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee`s move to welterweight was less successful, resulting in three losses in the division.
Islam Makhachev operates at an exceptionally high level, and only time will reveal how he manages the formidable power of Jack Della Maddalena and the challenges of competing at 170 pounds.
Gareth Pendleton