With Belal Muhammad no longer holding the welterweight title after UFC 315, Islam Makhachev announced earlier this month his plans to move up to 170 pounds. Since then, he has faced ongoing criticism from peers and MMA veterans alike. One of the most vocal critics is Chael Sonnen, who recently called out the former lightweight champion on his podcast. Sonnen branded Makhachev a “coward” for his decision to move up — a move Sonnen believes was made to avoid facing the current 155-pound contender Ilia Topuria.
However, Sonnen’s criticism didn’t go unanswered. UFC legend Daniel Cormier strongly disagreed with Sonnen’s take, and Islam Makhachev himself clapped back, calling Sonnen an “average athlete” and reminding him of his own “average fighting career. The controversy remains hot, with fans questioning why the Dagestani native waited so long to make his welterweight debut, especially considering he has already spent over a decade in the lightweight division.
So what caused the delay? According to Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, the answer has nothing to do with Ilia Topuria or Belal Muhammad. Speaking on the ‘Javier & Mo Show’, the American Kickboxing Academy head coach revealed the real reason behind Islam’s move to welterweight. Mendez made it clear that the transition had nothing to do with legacy and goals.
“It had everything to do,” Coach Mendez continued, “with what Islam wanted and the opportunities that came his way. Unfortunately, at that particular time, Belal was the champion. But Islam still had a goal to achieve — the most title defenses. Once he accomplished that, it was like, ‘Let me move up if I can.’ That was the plan all along.”
Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles LOS ANGELES, CA- JANUARY 17: L-R Joe Rogan and Islam Makhachev at the ceremonial weigh-in at Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles for UFC311 Makhachev vs Tsarukyan 2 : Official Weigh-ins on January 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx spp-en-LoGr-lrg2501170081796_UFC311
Earlier this year at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title against last-minute replacement Renato Moicano. Originally slated to face Arman Tsarukyan, the Russian was forced to adjust when Tsarukyan fell ill just days before the fight. In stepped Moicano, ranked #10, on extremely short notice, only to be dispatched swiftly via a first-round D’Arce choke. That dominant win marked Makhachev’s fourth consecutive title defense, officially surpassing the records set by his mentor, as well as lightweight legends BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar.
With that accomplishment, Islam Makhachev carved out his place among the greatest lightweights in UFC history. Now, as he sets his sights on the welterweight division, a new chapter begins. But with time ticking on his career, the question remains: how long will Makhachev’s reign continue at 170 pounds?
Teammate Predicts Islam Makhachev’s UFC Retirement
In 2015, at just 23 years old, Islam Makhachev made his UFC debut under the watchful eye of his coach and father figure, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. While his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov was already making headlines in the promotion, Makhachev’s path hit a rough patch in his second fight at UFC 192. However, since that early setback, Makhachev has been unstoppable, riding an impressive 15-fight winning streak.
Today, the Russian boasts a resume that arguably surpasses even that of his mentor in 155lbs. Now 33 years old, Islam Makhachev is entering the twilight of his career, but this time without the lightweight title. After announcing his move up to 170 pounds, he is now poised to challenge the reigning welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena. This transition has sparked questions about how much longer Makhachev plans to compete in the UFC. Ex-Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson offered some insight on the matter during the ‘Weighing In” podcast.
He outlined a possible timeline for Islam Makhachev’s retirement, drawing parallels to how ‘The Eagle’ exited the sport at the peak of his career. Thomson stated, “I think he’ll defend [the UFC welterweight] title one time before retiring. I also believe it’s probably going to be against Shavkat [Rakhmonov], maybe Sean Brady if Sean Brady gets past… Ian Garry. There’s talk they’re scheduled to fight. 34 years old, he understands that the time is coming. He’s somebody that doesn’t want to take a bad loss.”
Now, as Islam Makhachev steps into the next phase of his career at welterweight, one question stands out: Can he recreate the same dominance he showed at lightweight? Will his well-rounded skillset translate against naturally bigger, more powerful fighters? Share your thoughts, how do you see this chapter playing out for Makhachev?
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