Islam Makhachev’s Massive Weight Gain Revealed by Coach Before JDM Challenge

Coach Javier Mendez shares details about former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's weight gain ahead of UFC 322.

Islam Makhachev’s Massive Weight Gain Revealed by Coach Before JDM Challenge

Islam Makhachev makes the suitable weight ahead of his title fight with Jack Della Maddalena (via X)

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Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena is considered one of the most anticipated UFC clashes of 2025. The former lightweight champion surprised fans earlier this year by announcing his move up into the welterweight division. Although concerns about weight disadvantage surfaced, Makhachev’s team recently addressed them, ensuring confidence in capturing a second UFC belt.

The fight is scheduled for November 16 at UFC 322, taking place inside the iconic Madison Square Garden. Following the announcement, the Dagestani began training camp, with a specific emphasis on building additional weight for the welterweight challenge. Coach Javier Mendez recently confirmed through an interview that Makhachev has successfully gained the appropriate size required for this fight.

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 lbs, so we’re not going to have the issue with jumping up a weight.

Javier Mendez via Red Corner MMA 

Mendez explained that Makhachev was always a naturally bigger lightweight, and now with added weight, he resembled average welterweights. The Dagestani initially struggled to add size and humorously joked about consulting former teammate Daniel Cormier for his diet. According to JDM, welterweight is suitable for Makhachev, and fans will see the best version of the former P4P king. 

When Islam Makhachev enters MSG,  it will mark an entire decade of him remaining undefeated inside the UFC. The fighter is currently on a 15-fight win streak, and by defeating JDM, he will match Anderson Silva’s longstanding record. By getting the welterweight title, Makhachev will do something that his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov never did in his undefeated career. 

Islam Makhachev has defeated several of the UFC’s biggest names, consistently outclassing them with their own specialties. He submitted Charles Oliveira, outstruck Dustin Poirier convincingly, and even managed to deliver a stunning knockout against Alexander Volkanovski. Most recently, Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in round one and claimed to finish Della Maddalena with similar dominance.

UFC middleweight comments on Islam Makhachev’s size against Jack Della Maddalena 

Heading into the fight, tensions are clearly rising as Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena exchange continuous verbal insults. To prepare strategically, Della Maddalena sought advice from Alexander Volkanovski, who previously fought Makhachev twice at lightweight and lost. Confidently, JDM has vowed to deliver a knockout victory over Makhachev and ignite MSG’s electrifying atmosphere.

Islam Makhachev makes the suitable weight ahead of his title fight with Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev makes the suitable weight ahead of his title fight with Jack Della Maddalena (via X)

In his previous fight, Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title, claiming that Islam Makhachev’s striking was easier. Coach Javier Mendez responded by cautioning the Australian to respect Makhachev’s continuously evolving striking, which often gets underestimated.

Makhachev has often talked about training with bigger opponents in order to enhance his strength. Meanwhile, UFC middleweight Punahele Soriano recently shared sparring experiences with Makhachev while analyzing his upcoming chances against Della Maddalena.

It was just me and Islam and this was still like 155(lbs) Islam and I’m still middleweight and he just beat the piss out of me. So, I think he’s gonna do great. It was probably the most gentle, technical beating. I think he’s got a huge frame. Him and Jack, kind of have like a similar build. I guess my loyalty will have to be with Islam.

Punahele Soriano via MMA Junkie 

Many top fighters, including current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, have openly backed Makhachev to defeat Jack Della Maddalena. Heading into this highly anticipated matchup, Makhachev remains the clear betting favorite, though his team recognizes significant risks in potential defeat. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov has stated that Della Maddalena represents the toughest challenge Makhachev has faced during his entire UFC career. Ultimately, all eyes will focus on Madison Square Garden to witness which fighter emerges victorious in this electrifying and high-stakes showdown.

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