Islam Makhachev Stuns Own Coach with Impressive Muscle Gain Ahead of Welterweight Fight

Islam Makhachev's massive frame for his upcoming UFC 322 welterweight debut against Jack Della Maddalena left Javier Mendez in awe.

Islam Makhachev Stuns Own Coach with Impressive Muscle Gain Ahead of Welterweight Fight

Javier Mendez gets shocked by Islam Makhachev's transformation (via MMA Weekly, Instagram)

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Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight has been in preparation for several months, with his training camp structure shifting away from lightweight-cut protocols to strength and size building. The former lightweight champion has already established dominance at 155lbs, compelling his team to chart a new competitive path. His upcoming appearance at UFC 322 marks the beginning of that transition.

The matchup against Jack Della Maddalena was officially placed on the UFC 322 lineup, positioning Makhachev directly into a deep welterweight field without an acclimation fight. Maddalena brings an established run at 170 with wins over the likes of Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns, making the stakes of Makhachev’s debut immediate. The bout carries divisional implications beyond simple testing.

In the lead-up to the fight, Makhachev’s visible physical development has been a central talking point among observers inside the camp and media tracking his preparation. The mass gain has been purposeful, designed to sustain grappling-heavy sequences at a heavier class without energy drop-off. His coach, Javier Mendez, recently spoke about his reaction to seeing Makhachev’s training for UFC 322.

When I came into the camp and saw Islam for the first time over a month ago, I was like, what the heck? I go, he’s solid. I was very impressed. I watched him train, I watched what he was doing, and I was so impressed. Then he did his first sparring, and I was blown away. I was blown away by how good he got, how well he adjusted to the weight.

Javier Mendez via MMA Junkie

Before vacating, Makhachev completed his last lightweight title defense at UFC 311 against Renato Moicano. He then officially relinquished the belt in May 2025 to enable the Maddalena matchup without dual-division scheduling constraints. That decision ended the lightweight lineage from his side cleanly through action rather than inactivity.

Makhachev continues to prepare under Mendez, who has been a longtime head coach. Mendez’s oversight at American Kickboxing Academy has shaped the Dagestani-pressure style used by multiple fighters, including Makhachev and, previously, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Mendez remains the architect of the camp structure, coordinating cage-wrestling sequencing, defensively responsible striking integrations.

Islam Makhachev’s frame has been deliberately expanded for sustained output at 170, replacing pre-fight depletion cycles with strength-retention protocols. UFC 322 now functions as the pivot of his career from defending champion to tested entrant in a second division. A win launches him into welterweight gold, whereas a loss resets the bid for dual-division relevance.

Islam Makhachev replies to Dan Hooker’s praise

Islam Makhachev recently received unexpected praise from his former rival, Dan Hooker, ahead of his upcoming welterweight bout against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Hooker commended Makhachev for his decision to move up to welterweight, stating that it earned his respect. He noted that this move was something even the greatest lightweight of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov, never attempted.

Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker at UFC 267
Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker at UFC 267 (via UFC)

The two fighters previously faced off at UFC 267, where Makhachev secured a victory over Hooker in the second round. Their past encounter provides context to the praise, as it comes from a fighter who directly experienced Makhachev’s skills in the octagon. The Dagestani superstar recently took to X and replied to Hooker’s praise.

Need new haters, the old one are starting to like me.

Islam Makhachev via X

Makhachev’s response to Hooker’s praise included a message that mirrored a photo from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s early career, in which Nurmagomedov held a shirt with the exact quote. This reference connects Islam Makhachev to his mentor’s legacy and symbolizes the continuity of the Dagestani fighting ethos. The nod to Nurmagomedov highlighted his wittiness and social media influence.

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