Islam Makhachev was somebody {that a} prolific UFC light-weight thought would be capable of defeat Jack Della Maddalena, however now that very same stalwart 155-pounder has switched his prediction to “and nonetheless” for the following UFC welterweight title battle. That Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena 170-pound title battle takes place in November at UFC 322, with the referenced light-weight fighter right here additionally having a spot on the cardboard.
The combatant in query is Beneil Dariush, who will tackle Benoit Saint Denis on November fifteenth at MSG, and Dariush spoke with Submission Radio within the lead-up to this bout. When requested how he sees this most important occasion battle taking part in out between the previous kingpin of his division and the person who looms tall over welterweight at present, JDM, Dariush stated,
“Earlier, I used to be leaning in direction of Islam Makhachev, however now I’m leaning extra in direction of JDM. No logical purpose, simply really feel. JDM is greater, quicker, younger, hits onerous. After watching him battle with Bal, I feel his probabilities of successful are higher.”
“It’s a troublesome first project for Islam shifting up weight class straight into JDM, who’s hitting his peak, larger, stronger, hits more durable. Undoubtedly not a straightforward battle.”
Islam Makhachev’s physique shift shifting as much as welterweight
Islam Makhachev notched a number of title defenses at light-weight, and within the pursuit of aiming to enter the rarefied air of two division champions in UFC historical past, he’s bulking up in a calculated approach for the transfer up in weight. A latest {photograph} of Makahchev coaching in Dubai was posted to the Instagram story of Kris Fade, which was then shared to the X account, @ChampRDS.
Makhachev’s demonstrable improve in musculature drew the eye of many throughout the MMA house. Feedback on that localized X thread talked about how Makhachev appears like a middleweight now, that it will most likely be the healthiest he has ever been for a combined martial arts bout, and that we’ll see the perfect model of the Dagestan-based fighter we’ve ever seen.
Whether or not or not that’s the case stays to be seen, however the MMA world can tune in on November fifteenth to see for themselves when Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena closes out UFC 322.
