Makhachev’s Plans to Change Weight Class

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has openly discussed moving up in weight to pursue additional titles. Following his dominant first-round submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, he expressed interest in facing middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. He has also previously mentioned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, but a fight between them is unlikely due to their close friendship and training partnership.

Many believe that Makhachev’s ambitions stem from a natural desire to chase greatness and achieve champion status in multiple divisions. However, former UFC fighter and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen argues that there is a much deeper and more urgent reason behind the lightweight king’s desire to switch divisions.

Sonnen: “It’s Not About the Titles”

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Sonnen claimed that Makhachev’s push to move up in weight is not about legacy or the pursuit of another championship belt. Instead, he believes the main reason lies in one of the biggest struggles fighters face—a battle that could ultimately lead to an early retirement.

“Islam has mentioned Pereira in light heavyweight and Du Plessis in middleweight. Nobody takes it seriously, but he has to because his friend holds the welterweight belt,” Sonnen said.

“But the biggest reason he keeps bringing up these topics—it’s not for the challenge, it’s not for a new world championship. He wants out of the weight class.”

The Real Enemy: Weight Cutting

Sonnen pointed out that Makhachev, like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, struggles significantly to make the lightweight limit. Before UFC 311, Makhachev weighed in at 155 pounds (70.3 kg), but on fight day, he reportedly weighed around 178 pounds (80.7 kg), which is nearly his natural weight.

According to Sonnen, the impact of extreme weight cutting is something the UFC does not always fully consider when dealing with its stars. He argues that this was the primary factor behind Khabib’s retirement, rather than a lack of competition or motivation.

“Khabib didn’t retire because he didn’t want to fight Conor McGregor again. The UFC showed him the wrong numbers. If they had made welterweight available for him, he would have fought again,” Sonnen explained.

“The biggest problem for Islam is the same one that took his coach out twice and eventually retired him.”

Can the UFC Prevent Another Early Retirement?

Sonnen believes the UFC must take Makhachev’s situation seriously if they want to keep him in the sport. Otherwise, they risk a repeat of what happened with Khabib, where one of the organization’s biggest stars chose to walk away early.

“The number one reason fighters retire—they say it’s the contract, they say they’re too old, they say they’re done—but the biggest reason is they don’t want to fight the scale anymore,” Sonnen said.

“It’s a 24/7 lifestyle to constantly adjust your calorie intake and battle the scale. Eventually, it takes its toll.”

The question now is whether the UFC will recognize Makhachev’s indirect signals and offer him a chance to compete at a higher weight class or if he, like his mentor Khabib, will choose retirement over continuing the weight-cutting struggle.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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