Islam Makhachev is rumored to be making a significant weight cut in order to reach the lightweight title limit of 155 pounds. His coaches and training partners have often boasted about Makhachev’s size and strength, especially when outside of fight camp.
The most widespread controversy over his weight came against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Australia. Makhachev clearly struggled to make weight, and his Dagestan teammate said the fight at UFC 284 required less time for hydration compared to other UFC events as the reason the bout became so competitive. I mentioned that it was short.
According to reports, Makhachev took about 12 hours less than normal to rehydrate after making weight at UFC 284.
Following UFC 311 on January 18, where the 33-year-old defeated Renato Moicano in the main event, each fighter’s official nightweight has been revealed. Somewhat surprisingly, Moicano rehydrated to a greater weight than Makhachev that night, an unexpected turn of events considering the lightweight champion’s rumored walkaround weight.
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According to official numbers from the California Athletic Commission, Makhachev weighed 178 pounds after rehydration, meaning he had gained 23.5 pounds after weigh-in. Meanwhile, Moicano rehydrated and weighed 181.8 pounds, almost three pounds more than his opponent.
Check out the weights of Islam Makhachev and the rest of the UFC 311 fighters below.
Islam Makhachev believes he can be a three-division UFC champion
At UFC 311, Islam Makhachev made history as the first lightweight champion to defend his title four times. He submitted Renato Moicano in the first round and has won four of five in championship fights.
Given Makhachev’s long-rumored ability to compete with fighters in higher weight classes, and his apparent walking weight of 200 pounds, the 33-year-old could become the first three-division UFC champion in history. I’m sure.
The Dagestani recently revealed that he is interested in moving up to middleweight to take on Drix du Plessis, hoping to avoid facing his friend and occasional teammate Belal Muhammad.
After UFC 311, Makhachev appeared before the media and said:
“I can be a three-division (champion) too. Give me a chance. If I get a chance, I’m going to fight du Plessis. I’m going to fight him too. I swear, if Dana White sends me a contract, I will. “Fight him.” ”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below (3:50):
Edited by Harvey Leonard