Islam Makhachev: ’60-70% Fit’ Post Lightweight Cut on Fight Night
Islam Makhachev is set to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. The fight will take place on November 15 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Transition to Welterweight
After successfully defending his lightweight title against Renato Moicano in January, Makhachev decided to move up from the lightweight division. He aims to become a two-division champion in the welterweight category. Makhachev is confident that this transition will minimize the impact of weight cutting on his performance.
Health and Recovery During Fight Night
Makhachev recently expressed his thoughts regarding the challenges of a significant weight cut. He stated that cutting more than 10 kilograms (approximately 22 pounds) often leaves fighters unable to fully recover. “I still feel I recover for the fight, like, maybe 70, 60 percent,” he explained.
- Weight Cut Impact: Makhachev believes his reduced weight cut will allow for better recovery.
- Performance Expectation: He hopes to feel a significant difference in the cage during later rounds.
UFC Fight Record
With a professional record of 27 wins and just one loss, Makhachev has an impressive history in the UFC. Since his debut loss against Adriano Martins in 2015, he has amassed 15 consecutive victories, including five wins in lightweight title fights.
Preparedness and Game Plan
Makhachev plans to employ a strategy similar to that of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov, who has been a significant influence on Makhachev’s career, emphasizes ground control to exhaust opponents.
- Fight Strategy: Makhachev intends to take Della Maddalena down and wear him out.
- Submission Skills: He feels confident in his submission abilities, including chokes and armbars.
As fight night approaches, Makhachev is not only excited but also eager to see how well he can perform at welterweight. The anticipation builds as he prepares to face Della Maddalena for the title, aiming to showcase the advantages of his improved recovery and conditioning.
