Islam Makhachev is entering one of the most pivotal moments of his MMA career. The former UFC lightweight champion has set his sights on welterweight glory, and all eyes are on how the Dagestani star is adjusting to the new division. Ahead of UFC 322, fans and analysts have been speculating whether Makhachev’s size and strength will be enough to match up against Jack Della Maddalena, the reigning welterweight champion.

Recent updates from coach Javier Mendez offer reassurance that the lightweight legend is in prime shape and fully prepared for this career-defining clash.

Islam Makhachev’s Journey to Welterweight

Vacating Lightweight to Pursue Two-Division Glory

Earlier this year, Islam Makhachev made the bold decision to vacate the UFC lightweight title at 155 pounds. The move shocked some fans but highlighted Makhachev’s ambition to etch his name into MMA history by conquering two divisions. With his eyes on the welterweight throne, Makhachev has been carefully preparing for a different challenge: facing opponents who naturally walk around heavier than him.

UFC 322 represents his first step toward this dream. He is set to fight Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian champion who claimed his title from Belal Muhammad in May. This will be Della Maddalena’s first title defense, making the fight a high-stakes showdown between two top-tier athletes.

The Weight Challenge: Bulking Up for UFC 322

Coach Javier Mendez Provides Key Updates

One of the biggest talking points ahead of UFC 322 has been Makhachev’s transition from lightweight to welterweight. While the move up in division adds 15 pounds of natural weight, concerns lingered about whether Makhachev could adjust without sacrificing speed, stamina, or agility.

In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, coach Javier Mendez shed light on Makhachev’s progress:

“I was thinking we were going to be quite a bit smaller than Jack, but then I saw Islam. He’s put on the weight really nicely. I think Islam right now is about a solid 191 pounds, so we’re not going to have the issue with jumping up a weight.”

Mendez’s comments highlight that Makhachev has successfully bulked up without compromising his athletic performance. For context, his walk-around weight as a lightweight hovered around 180 pounds, meaning he has added approximately 11 pounds of functional muscle mass to compete at welterweight.

Islam Makhachev Admits Bulk-Up Was Difficult

The bulk-up process has not been easy for Makhachev. In June, he candidly admitted to MMA Junkie that adjusting to the welterweight division required significant effort:

“I will try to be big. You know, it’s not easy man. All my life I cut weight, but now, when I want to be big, my weight stays in the same position.”

He further explained his approach:

“I try to lift more. We do some program and like slowly, slowly we bring some, maybe 2 kg (roughly 4.4 pounds) right now and it’s very hard, but I don’t want to be big by food, eating and not training. I want to be with muscles, you know, I want to do training, a right lifting program and bring some muscles.”

Makhachev’s dedication shows a strategic mindset: rather than relying on simple caloric intake, he focused on functional strength, ensuring that every pound gained contributes to his performance inside the Octagon.

Why Makhachev’s Weight Matters

Matching Up Against Jack Della Maddalena

Jack Della Maddalena is known for his natural size and striking power. Moving from lightweight to welterweight, Makhachev needed to demonstrate that he could not only compete physically but maintain his signature grappling and cardio.

At 191 pounds, Makhachev now approaches the fight with a similar frame to his opponent, alleviating concerns that he would be outmatched in strength or reach. Fans and analysts agree that weight adaptation could play a decisive role in the fight’s outcome.

The Science Behind Functional Weight Gain

Makhachev’s strategy is notable for its focus on functional muscle rather than simple bulk. Functional muscle ensures:

Enhanced power in striking and grappling

Preservation of speed and agility crucial for MMA

Improved endurance, avoiding fatigue over five rounds

Coach Javier Mendez emphasized this methodical approach, pointing out that Makhachev’s transition is not about looking bigger but being equally effective against naturally larger opponents.

Islam Makhachev’s Fighting Style at Welterweight

Adaptation Without Sacrificing Technique

Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded fighters in MMA, excelling in wrestling, submissions, and ground control. As he steps into the welterweight division, fans are curious about how he will adapt his style.

His wrestling-heavy approach has always been a cornerstone, allowing him to control fights even against larger opponents. By strategically increasing his weight through muscle, Makhachev can retain his takedown efficiency and submission prowess, while also having the durability to withstand heavier strikes.

Mental Readiness: Confidence and Strategy

Bulk and size are only one piece of the puzzle. Makhachev’s mental preparation for UFC 322 is equally important. He has been working closely with Mendez to analyze Della Maddalena’s tendencies, ensuring that his strategy is not just about brute strength but smart, tactical fighting.

Makhachev’s comments earlier this year about the difficulty of gaining weight reflect his dedication and focus — qualities that have made him a champion in the lightweight division and may now translate to welterweight success.

UFC 322: High-Stakes Implications

Two-Division Glory Within Reach

If Islam Makhachev succeeds at UFC 322, he will achieve the rare feat of holding titles in two weight classes, joining an elite group of fighters in MMA history. This would solidify his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats and cement his legacy in UFC lore.

His opponent, Jack Della Maddalena, also has everything to prove, defending his title for the first time. The bout promises to be highly competitive, with size, skill, and strategy all under the microscope.

Fans’ Expectations and Pre-Fight Hype

Makhachev’s weight update has excited fans, who were initially worried about how the Dagestani star would perform in a higher weight class. Social media buzz has increased, with analysts speculating about whether his speed and grappling will remain intact while handling the increased weight.

The combination of successful bulk-up, mental readiness, and technical skill sets the stage for what could be a landmark event at UFC 322.

Islam Makhachev Ready for the Next Chapter

Islam Makhachev’s preparation for UFC 322 demonstrates the importance of physical and mental adaptability in MMA. By carefully adding functional muscle, maintaining his technical edge, and studying his opponent’s tendencies, Makhachev is positioning himself to succeed at welterweight.

Coach Javier Mendez’s revelation that Makhachev now weighs approximately 191 pounds should put to rest concerns about his ability to compete in a higher division. Fans can now look forward to an electrifying matchup between Makhachev and Della Maddalena, with the potential for history-making implications in the UFC.

As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Islam Makhachev: can the former lightweight champion rise to meet the welterweight challenge and cement his legacy as one of MMA’s most dominant forces?