UFC Lightweight Champion and top pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev could face a significant challenge if he moves up to welterweight to fight Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev has expressed interest in moving to the 170 lbs division for some time. Now that his friend Belal Muhammad is no longer the champion, it seems Makhachev might seize the opportunity.
Following the events of UFC 315, the general expectation is that Islam Makhachev will next challenge the new welterweight king, Jack Della Maddalena, especially after reports that Makhachev vacated his lightweight title earlier this week.
Recognized as one of the most complete fighters in mixed martial arts today, Makhachev has defended his lightweight belt successfully against top contenders, including current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and former lightweights Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano.
However, despite his elite status at lightweight, a former UFC title challenger is questioning whether Makhachev`s power and chin will hold up against the naturally larger fighters in the 170 lbs division.
Kenny Florian Skeptical About Makhachev Withstanding Welterweight Power
UFC veteran and current analyst Kenny Florian, who competed across four different weight classes during his career, offered his expert opinion.
Florian notably challenged for the lightweight title against BJ Penn in 2009 and the featherweight title against Jose Aldo in 2011. An alumnus of the inaugural season of `The Ultimate Fighter` in 2005, Florian also fought at both middleweight and welterweight.
Speaking on the potential welterweight clash between Makhachev and the hard-hitting Della Maddalena:
“Based on his grappling and well roundedness and experience, I think that he could definitely pose some problems for JDM,” Florian commented on the Anik & Florian Podcast.
“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,” Florian continued, referencing Belal Muhammad`s recent fight. “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.”
Florian recounted the moment, saying, “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.”
“I can’t stress this enough. Every pound matters in this sport…” Florian emphasized. “There’s a 15 pound difference between 155 and 170, not 10 pounds, and that matters for a lot.”
How Have Other Lightweight Stars Fared at Welterweight?
Historically, several prominent lightweight fighters have made the jump to the welterweight division, with varying degrees of success.
Former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos is one example who successfully moved up, winning his first three fights at welterweight against tough contenders and former champion Robbie Lawler.
Gilbert Burns, originally a lightweight, also transitioned to welterweight and made a significant impact, securing four consecutive wins to earn a title shot against the formidable Kamaru Usman.
Conversely, former lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee did not find success after moving up, suffering three losses in his welterweight appearances.
While Makhachev is widely considered an exceptional talent, even among elite fighters, only time will truly tell how he adapts to the added size and power of welterweights like Jack Della Maddalena.
Percy Harlow