Khamzat Chimaev, a dominant force at middleweight, isn’t sold on the idea of Islam Makhachev making a leap to his division. The current lightweight champion, fresh off a submission victory at UFC 311, has expressed interest in taking on bigger challenges but Chimaev sees hurdles ahead.
Makhachev has voiced his desire to jump not just one but two weight classes to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. The middleweight title is set to be defended at UFC 312, and Islam’s ambition has sparked debates about whether he can thrive in a division 30 pounds heavier than his current one.
Chimaev, however, remains skeptical. Reflecting on Makhachev’s move, he commented:
“As for Islam, I have my doubts because of his last fight at 155. It was tough for him.”
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Who can stop @Islam_Makhachev after #UFC311?! pic.twitter.com/fIztXviUjK
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Khamzat Chimaev Weighs in on Makhachev’s Ambition
Chimaev is uniquely positioned to assess the challenge, having moved from welterweight to middleweight himself. After defeating former champion Robert Whittaker in a decisive performance at UFC 308, Chimaev proved that a weight jump can bring unexpected advantages. Still, he believes it might not be as seamless for Makhachev.
Drawing comparisons, Chimaev said:
“Although I had a tough fight against Gilbert [at 170], then I moved up to 185 and it was easier [to fight] there. Maybe Islam will have the same situation. He might move up and it will become much easier. Well, only the Octagon can show.”
Rumors about Makhachev’s interest in fighting Alex Pereira at 205 pounds were also addressed. When asked, Makhachev quickly dismissed the idea, saying, “No it’s too much.” This clarity comes after his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, publicly suggested two weeks ago that Makhachev could conquer the light heavyweight division by beating Pereira.
“I don’t think any man from 155lbs to 185lbs can beat Islam Makhachev,”Ali Abdelaziz said.
“I think Islam will beat Alex Pereira at 205. I swear to Allah. I think Islam Makhachev will beat Alex Pereira. He’s just going to take him down and finish him, submit him.” Abdelaziz added.
Khamzat Chimaev is asked if Islam Makhachev is capable of competing at 185:
“If anyone could move up [and compete] at 170 or 185 it would be Khabib. As for Islam, I have my doubts because of his last fight. It was tough for him.”
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Khabib vs Makhachev at Higher Weights
Chimaev further speculated that if anyone could excel at middleweight or higher, it would be Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“If anyone could move up [and compete] at 170 or 185, it would be Khabib [Nurmagomedov],” he said, acknowledging Khabib’s strength and skillset.
Whether Makhachev takes the leap to 185 or decides to stay dominant in his current division, only time and the Octagon will provide answers.