UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is aiming to achieve a historic milestone by capturing titles in both the 155-pound and 170-pound divisions. Commentator Daniel Cormier shared his perspective on this ambitious plan, noting that Makhachev and his team are promoting a potential welterweight challenge. A matchup against welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena, who recently delivered an impressive performance, is expected to draw significant interest due to its high stakes and Makhachev’s untested status at the heavier weight class.
Makhachev’s Bold Vision for Two UFC Titles
Cormier discussed the challenges of Makhachev moving to welterweight, a division where he has not fought professionally.
“We’ve never seen him have to compete up from 155 pounds. Yes, he is a big dude. But in terms of full on stature, is he as big as Jack Della Maddalena is? And also, if he thought he may fight at International Fight Week, how small had he gotten, and how much time does he have to put the weight back on the right way before he moves up to 170? Lot of questions,” Cormier said on his Youtube Channel.
These uncertainties make Makhachev’s potential welterweight debut a compelling challenge.
Cormier also highlighted Makhachev’s confidence in promoting the fight, quoting him:
“Makhachev wrote, ‘The time is now to become a double champion, Inshallah, let’s go,’” Cormier continue. “Those guys already know, ‘Hey, we’re gonna build this thing. We’re gonna make people tune in to this thing.’ We’re gonna watch regardless. It’s a fantastic fight. It’s a big time fight. And if Jack Della looks the way he did last week, it’s a very intriguing fight because we’ve never seen Islam fight up at 170.”
This enthusiasm underscores the excitement surrounding Makhachev’s potential move to welterweight.
Comparing Makhachev’s goal to Amanda Nunes’ success, Cormier noted:
“Makhachev is open to bouncing between [155/170]. We have not seen anyone do this but Amanda Nunes — go up to 145, beat fighters like Megan Anderson and those girls, then go down to 135 and do what she did as the bantamweight champion.”
However, he cautioned that such a feat is not easy.
“It seems like Makhachev thinks he can do the same thing. That’s difficult. That’s hard, especially once you get that belt at the next weight class. ‘Why do I have to cut the weight when I’m the champion here?’ It’s a very, very hard thing,” Cormier added. h/t MMAMania
The physical and mental demands of managing two divisions make Makhachev’s plan a formidable task.
Islam Makhachev’s ambition to become a double champion at 155 and 170 pounds reflects his confidence and determination, but Daniel Cormier’s analysis highlights the significant challenges ahead. From the physical strain of competing at a higher weight class to the logistical hurdles of weight management and the mental toll of maintaining dominance in two divisions, Makhachev faces a path few have successfully navigated. The UFC community looks forward to seeing if he can overcome these obstacles and join Amanda Nunes as a rare dual-division champion.
