Islam Makhachev Blamed for Messing Up Entire Welterweight Division with Ambitious Title Fight

UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady believes that Islam Makhachev winning the title may put the 170-pound division on hold.

Islam Makhachev Blamed for Messing Up Entire Welterweight Division with Ambitious Title Fight

Islam Makhachev gets blamed by Sean Brady for messing up welterweight division (via MMA Fighting, MMA Mania)

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There is no doubt that earning double championship status in the UFC is the highest honor that fighters can achieve. Champions from one division usually move up in weight to challenge the best fighter from the division. The most prominent example in recent days is former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moving up to the welterweight division.

It was recently announced that the much-anticipated superfight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev will take place at UFC 322. However, welterweight contender Sean Brady recently expressed his distaste for the Dagestani natives’ move. Brady believed that Makhachev’s rise in weight would be a problem for other fighters in the division if he planned to return to lightweight after UFC 322.

The welterweight contender is coming off a statement win against former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. With notable wins against fighters such as Gilbert Burns and Kelvin Gastelum, a title eliminator fight undoubtedly guarantees a title shot for Brady. However, in a recent UFC Unfiltered episode, Brady spoke about how Makhachev’s ambition may put the entire 170-pound division on hold.

Islam is coming up is what kinda f***ed this whole division in the first place, but you can’t be mad at him if I was in the situation, I would do the same thing. I know he and Topuria are trying to set something up. If he wins, I think he stays at 170; if he loses, there’s a bigger chance of him going back to 155. If he wins at 170, he’ll defend it 1–2 times, and then he’ll vacate or retire.

Sean Brady via UFC Unfiltered

Brady believed that Makhachev would win the belt and go back to lightweight to challenge Ilia Topuria for the 155-pound championship. The Dagestani superstar had always been clear regarding his ambitions to be a two-division champion. He had vacated his belt earlier this year to move up in weight. However, Topuria moved up simultaneously after and defeated Charles Oliveira to earn the vacant lightweight title.

The title picture at welterweight shifted swiftly after Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 304. However, his title reign was short-lived after Maddalena showed up for an injured Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 315. The Australian technically dismantled Muhammad and won the welterweight championship via unanimous decision.

Ironically, Brady’s only professional career loss was against Muhammad at UFC 280 in 2022. With a professional record of 18 wins and one loss, Brady has made himself clear as a future title contender. It will be interesting to see what the subsequent development will be in the UFC welterweight division.

Islam Makhachev talks about his faith and religion

Islam Makhachev has long been recognized as one of the most disciplined fighters in mixed martial arts. Beyond his achievements in the UFC, his dedication extends far beyond the octagon. He was raised with a strong sense of faith and has consistently demonstrated that his spiritual commitments are as important as his athletic pursuits. The Dagestani has often credited his faith as the reason for his success and wealth.

Islam Makhachev talks about religion
Islam Makhachev talks about religion (via UFC)

The UFC superstar is undoubtedly following the footsteps of his mentor and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ has trained Makhachev to be disciplined while following the teachings of Islam. Makhachev was recently seen talking to controversial influencer Adin Ross and revealed that he always makes time to pray five times a day without missing training.

I meet some Muslims and they ask me, ‘How many times do you pray?’ We don’t have other rules; we have one rule: five times a day, you have to pray.

Islam Makhachev via Adin Ross

Islam Makhachev’s dedication to prayer exemplifies how faith and professional success can coexist harmoniously. By never compromising his spiritual obligations, he sets an example for athletes and fans alike, showing that discipline in faith can reinforce discipline in all aspects of life.

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