Islam Makhachev Looks ‘Terrible’ After Weight Cut but Gilbert Burns Suggests Move to Solve Problem

UFC veteran Gilbert Burns believes Islam Makhachev does extreme weight cutting and should fight in the welterweight division.

Islam Makhachev Looks ‘Terrible’ After Weight Cut but Gilbert Burns Suggests Move to Solve Problem

Gilbert Burns talks about Islam Makhachev's weight cutting (via MMA Fighting/X)

The weight bully accusations have never been more prominent when it comes to the dominant and highly disciplined Dagestani MMA fighters. It was relevant during Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s legendary era of dominance, consistently trying to downgrade his success. It has remained consistent with Islam Makhachev, too, whose physical strength and size advantages have drawn similar criticism from the MMA community. 

However, this definitely helps the pound-for-pound ace in being the fan favorite in a potential welterweight bout with elite contenders. As Makhachev eyes a second championship, UFC veteran Gilbert Burns recently weighed in on the potential move with his thoughts. Burns believes Makhachev’s natural fighting weight is 170 pounds due to the extreme difficulty he faces during his weight cuts.

I think Islam is a welterweight; he’s already big. He just kills himself to make weight, and every time he makes weight, he looks horrible. After the weigh-in, he’s big again. Yes, I favor him over Jack and Belal.

Gilbert Burns via Inside Fighting 

While the weight cut to 155lbs does look brutal on Makhachev, he’s fighting weight is around 180lbs, which was recently recorded at UFC 311. This number is quite similar to many other lightweights, for example, his rival Renato Moicano weighed around 181lbs at UFC 311. Other top fighters such as Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira also walk around at the same weight.

Makhachev has always made weight clean, avoided dangerous weight cuts, and shown professionalism and discipline unmatched by many other elite fighters. Beyond physical attributes, his complete skill set is what makes him a fan favorite above Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. With four dominant lightweight title defenses, he’s improved each fight, showcasing evolution and dominance that few champions have ever matched. 

Makhachev has confirmed he will closely monitor the UFC 315 main event between Della Maddalena and Muhammad. If JDM emerges victorious, it could be favorable for the Dagestani’s plans to pursue a second divisional UFC title. However, should Muhammad retain his title, it may complicate potential matchups and reshape the immediate plans. 

UFC veteran explains Islam Makhachev’s submission technique 

Islam Makhachev is renowned for his suffocating grappling, and his D’arce choke has become one of his deadliest submission weapons. Against Dustin Poirier, Makhachev transitioned from mount, slipped the choke in tight, and forced a dramatic fifth-round submission. He displayed a similar technique against Renato Moicano, controlling position flawlessly before securing the D’arce choke and finishing with brutal efficiency.

Islam Makhachev's D'arce choke
Islam Makhachev’s D’arce choke (via MMA Fighting)

This choke works by trapping the opponent’s neck and arm, creating intense pressure that cuts off blood flow and forces quick tapouts. It has been talked about in detail by many analysts in the MMA community, and Joe Rogan is one of them. In his recent video, he went into detail about how Makhachev’s technique is different from the conventional D’arce choke. 

One of the things you see about Islam, he has a very unique way of doing the D’arce. Islam grabs his own wrist like this to finish it, whereas other guys go all the way down to the bicep. The thing about grabbing the wrist like that, that’s really good, is you can make it a little bit tighter…He’s also insanely strong. Islam is insanely strong. He’s got that sort of elite grappling strength that comes from decades of throwing human bodies around.

Joe Rogan via JRE MMA Show 

UFC legend Demetrious Johnson was highly impressed by Makhachev’s D’arce choke finish at UFC 311. Johnson revealed that during training with Makhachev, even he couldn’t defend the choke despite his elite grappling and years of experience. According to the pound-for-pound king, the D’arce is Makhachev’s favorite submission and his most practiced move in training.

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