Islam Makhachev’s Rival Comes To Defense And Reveals Brutal Struggle From Ex-Lightweight Champion

Islam Makhachev's former title rival shares the biggest reason for the Dagestani to move up to fight the UFC welterweight champion.

Islam Makhachev’s Rival Comes To Defense And Reveals Brutal Struggle From Ex-Lightweight Champion

Charles Oliveira talks about Islam Makhachev's welterweight move (via X/MMA Fighting)

Islam Makhachev‘s recent departure from the UFC lightweight division was quite a shocking move. After years of dominating some of the top lightweights, he chose to move up divisions. While getting the welterweight title is the main reason, Charles Oliveira believes that there is another important reason behind it.

Makhachev made the decision after Jack Della Maddalena beat Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 via. unanimous decision. Following his move up, many fans and experts have questioned his size disadvantage against a 170-pounder. However, according to ‘Do Bronx,’ weight was the primary reason behind this move and will ultimately help the Dagestani to fight the welterweight champion.

I see the weight cut as the reason. I saw this a couple of times already. I've been at the same event as him and seen his weight cut, it's brutal. I saw how drained he was. I think it's because he wants to be in better fight shape, and he decided to move up. I think he'll be much stronger. He's improving a lot on his feet, and his ground game is incredibly strong. So, that will be a great fight. 

While this case is more appropriate with Ilia Topuria‘s recent lightweight move, Makhachev never discussed weight issues with his team publicly. The pound-for-pound ace has never missed weight and never been hospitalized during a weight cut, unlike Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s past situation. However, during weigh-ins, Makhachev often appeared severely depleted, which repeatedly sparked accusations of him being a dangerous weight bully.

Oliveira fought Makhachev at UFC 280, where the Dagestani defeated him to win the vacant UFC lightweight championship title. It was a one-sided contest in which the Brazilian was dropped and then submitted by Makhachev during an intense second-round exchange. Since then, ‘Do Bronx’ pursued a rematch but injury forced him out of UFC 294, allowing Alexander Volkanovski to replace him.

Despite his rivalry with Makhachev, Oliveira respects both him and Nurmagomedov, evident during their intense lightweight title clash. He believes Della Maddalena is a dangerous striker, but to become champion, Makhachev must go through the best. Before that potential fight unfolds, Oliveira has his own battle ahead that demands his full attention and focus.

Top lightweight rivalries following Islam Makhachev’s departure 

After Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight belt, Dana White announced Charles Oliveira versus Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 for the belt. Heading into the fight, the Georgian-Spanish star is the fan favorite thanks to his momentum and devastating knockout power. Still, the Brazilian has boldly promised to give Topuria a taste of his own medicine by knocking him out.

Illa Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett rivalry
Illa Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett rivalry (via X)

Despite the title being on the line, this may not be the biggest rivalry in today’s talent-packed UFC lightweight division. Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen recently addressed this situation in detail, offering insights into what’s next at 155 pounds. According to Sonnen, the real heat lies between UK star Paddy Pimblett and Topuria, due to their hostile past exchanges.

Boy, Paddy went pretty hard at Ilia Topuria. He questioned every fight he did. Wherever you fall, I think at a minimum, what we can observe is happening here is MMA has a true rivalry, and there’s just not a lot of them out there. If that grudge and that rivalry still maintains, then this is the first in a meaningful period of time and the only current rivalry that we have in this sport.

Topuria’s rivalry with Pimblett dates back years, and with him moving up, the tension has become even more intense. The Scouser believes if the former featherweight king beats Oliveira, he should rightfully be next in line for a title shot. Pimblett isn’t convinced by Topuria’s hype and has boldly promised to knock him out if their paths finally cross.