'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAIBAAAgICAAcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQRBRITFCEx8f/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL/xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMerwEbg75aJb2S2CuwkrzM6g6G/Y2Sd/JKNWMxLLguVPkHrmIisLX//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominating forces in the UFC, especially inside the lightweight division. Precise, strong in grappling, confident inside and outside the Octagon-Makhachev recently made headlines because of one bold statement: the desire to become a three-division UFC champion. Following his successful defense of the lightweight title at UFC 294, Makhachev sets his sights higher, including moving to middleweight to face Dricus du Plessis.
With his ambitious aspirations, excitement, and speculation often drive the sport, so the words of Makhachev have sent shockwaves across the MMA community. The thought of a lightweight champion going up to take on opponents larger in size sparked debate on the feasibility of such a move.
While some fans admire his ambition, others find the claims far-fetched, especially now that he has yet to claim a second belt. His comments, combined with the UFC's often erratic matchmaking, have quickly made this the most talked-about fight in MMA over the past week.
Islam Makhachev’s Middleweight Callout: Why It Went Viral
The buzz began when Makhachev expressed his interest in challenging Dricus du Plessis at middleweight during a post-fight interview. He remarked, “I can be three-division also… If they give me the chance, I will fight with him [Du Plessis] also.” However, when the conversation turned to Alex Pereira, the light heavyweight champion, Islam Makhachev dismissed the idea, calling it “too much.”
This combination of confidence and caution sparked mixed reactions online. Fans quickly took to platforms like X to share their thoughts on the lightweight king’s plans.
The post gained traction due to the sheer audacity of Makhachev’s goal, coupled with fans’ doubts about how he would fare against bigger, stronger opponents like Du Plessis. Not to mention, the MMA community thrives on speculation, and the possibility of Makhachev attempting what no fighter has ever done to become champion in three divisions served up a lot of fodder on which to speculate.
As was expected, fans were quick to flood social media with their takes, many laced with skepticism and humor. Some even questioned how Makhachev could compete against someone as large as Dricus du Plessis, with one comment summing up the sentiment: "Imagine seeing the size difference between Islam and Dricus in the cage."
Others teased about the significant weight adjustment Islam Makhachev would have to make: "Islam gonna have to have a lot of Coca Cola and boorgers if he wants to fight at middleweight."
The doubts didn't stop at size alone. Many fans were also in disbelief regarding Makhachev's ambitions since he hasn't even secured a second championship yet. "Bro isn't even a 2-division champ lol," one fan said bluntly.
Another fan shared the feeling that Islam Makhachev might be overreaching his bounds, adding, Stick to the easy route, my man.
Some fans suggested alternative paths for Makhachev, highlighting opponents they believe he should face first. One comment pointed out the unresolved tension between him and Belal Muhammad, stating, “I’d like to see him stop the Islamic brother nonsense and fight Belal first.”
Meanwhile, others turned the spotlight on Khamzat Chimaev, who has been vocal about his dominance at middleweight. One fiery remark predicted, “There’s a name, Khamzat, at middleweight, and he will ragdoll you in 1 round.”
Of course, humor was another crucial part of fan feedback on what happened. While most comments were in jest, underlined by preposterous fancies about Islam Makhachev going three divisions up, the jokes rest on the premise that as confident as Makhachev is, this may be out of his league with larger, physically and tactically more challenging opponents.
Trending
Islam Makhachev's statement about becoming a three-division UFC champion has brought more attention to his already storied career. If the fans or analysts question the viability of such an ambition, there is one undeniable fact: Islam Makhachev's confidence and ambition keep him one of the most discussed men currently in MMA.
Whether he stays in the lightweight and welterweight divisions, continues his dominance, or goes up to middleweight, the MMA world will be watching closely. For now, Makhachev has merely stirred the pot, setting the stage for more speculation, potential matchups, and the possibility of making history.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
