Islam Makhachev has just lately been within the information for his appearances. The previous light-weight titleholder gave up his belt and moved as much as welterweight to problem Australia’s Jacques Della Maddalena for the title at UFC 322.
Jack gained the welterweight belt from American fighter Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. This back-and-forth struggle was an unbelievable show of martial arts and is already being thought-about a contender for Struggle of the 12 months. In one of the vital thrilling fifth rounds I’ve ever seen, Jack defeated Belal. Belal Muhammad had beforehand skilled with Islam and Khabib Nurmagomedov, so there’s a good probability that Islam’s promotion wouldn’t have occurred had Belal gained by resolution that evening.
The swing of the pendulum: the battle that would change Makhachev and his legacy
A standard criticism that Islam confronted throughout his reign as a light-weight was that he fought smaller males. 4 of his 5 title defenses have been victories over former (or present) UFC featherweights, together with present featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Islam was already often called a light-weight, however was steadily accused of being a weight bully. Some within the MMA group speculated that he may need given up the belt to keep away from a struggle with “one other little man.” However Islam believes welterweight is a brand new problem.
Not too long ago, pictures and movies of Islam Makhachev have been launched displaying off his new welterweight physique. He appears to be like a lot greater than the 170 pound restrict and nearer to 200 kilos. This struggle might change the course of UFC historical past and outline the legacies of each fighters.
