Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been cautioned about potential difficulties in his attempt to take the welterweight belt from Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev confirmed his intention to move up to the 170lb division to challenge for Della Maddalena`s recently acquired title. He would likely have remained at lightweight had Belal Muhammad kept his title in the main event of UFC 315.
However, Stephen `Wonderboy` Thompson believes that winning a second belt won`t be as easy as Makhachev anticipates. Islam has long dominated the lightweight division, and it will be interesting to see him face a larger opponent at welterweight.
Stephen Thompson Shares Warning About Jack Della Maddalena
Speaking to Submission Radio, Thompson shared his thoughts on the challenge Jack Della Maddalena, undefeated in the UFC, presents. “A lot of these 170s walk around real heavy,” `Wonderboy` noted.
“I`m talking over 205lb, 210 to 215lb. Some of the guys I`ve faced would walk around at that weight. I think height-wise they might be the same, or JDM might be a little taller, but I see these guys and I see their strengths – Islam is going to have a tough time.”
“Now, do I think he can get it done? Yes. I think he`s that good of a grappler, but I think JDM has faced some of the best welterweight grapplers and wrestlers in the division, including Belal. So it`s going to be a tough night for him.”
Islam Makhachev Sets Sights on Welterweight Title
The lightweight champion has already made it very clear through social media posts that he is moving up in weight to pursue Maddalena`s belt. He was always too close to Muhammad to challenge for his title, but now that he has lost, there are no obstacles to the move.
“Time to become a double champion,” Makhachev wrote in one tweet. “#inshaAllah. Let`s go.” He followed that tweet with another: “You are not Volk, I will show you a different level. Keep my belt clean.”
Percy Harlow