Islam Makhachev is facing unexpected difficulties in his effort to gain muscle mass as he prepares to compete against larger opponents in the welterweight division. Despite announcing his move up to 170 pounds, the Dagestani fighter has struggled to increase his weight significantly, which presents a challenge ahead of his anticipated title fight.

Makhachev, who recently vacated the lightweight championship in May, is aiming to become a two-division UFC world champion by capturing the welterweight title. This ambition has led him to pursue a careful muscle-building regimen instead of simply increasing his food intake.

In a detailed interview with MMAJunkie, Makhachev explained his approach, saying:

“I will try to be big. It’s not easy, man. All my life I cut weight but now when I want to be big my weight stays in the same position. I try to lift more, we [did] some programs and slowly, slowly we [gained] 2 [kilograms] right now. It’s very hard. But I don’t want to be big [because of] food, eating and not training. I want to be [big] with muscles, I want to train, do the right lifting program and [gain] some muscles.”

At 33 years old, Makhachev’s dedication to gaining strength through proper training reflects his resolve to compete effectively in the welterweight class.

Analyzing the Upcoming Title Fight: Striking Versus Grappling

Jack Della Maddalena recently claimed the UFC welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 315. The Australian champion is expected to make his first title defense against newcomer Islam Makhachev. Entering the fight, Della Maddalena is known for his superior striking skills, including some of the best boxing techniques currently seen in the UFC.

Makhachev, conversely, carries a grappling advantage, evidenced by his three submission wins in his last five bouts. One of those was notably against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Poirier shared his thoughts on the matchup during an interview with Mike Bohn:

“We’ll find out first or second round how much trouble he has getting him down. I think if he gets those takedowns, he’s going to get the win. If Jack can stop those takedowns, which he does have good takedown defense, I think the boxing and the size could wear on Islam and give him some problems.”

This analysis highlights the pivotal battle between wrestling control and striking prowess that will likely determine the outcome of the fight.

Significance of Makhachev’s Welterweight Move and Future Outlook

Islam Makhachev’s decision to move up to welterweight is a significant step in his career as he seeks to expand his legacy beyond the lightweight division. His current struggle to add muscle mass underscores the physical challenges involved in competing against naturally larger fighters. Success in this new weight class depends not only on his ability to gain strength but also on how effectively he can implement his grappling skills against a highly skilled striker like Jack Della Maddalena.

The upcoming title clash will test Makhachev’s adaptability and could cement his status as a two-division world champion if he overcomes these hurdles. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how this welterweight move influences his performance and future prospects within the UFC.