“I don’t see much competition left in my division; I’ve beaten almost everyone. I’ve been thinking about moving up to 170, and I can stay there.” This is what the 155lbs god-king Islam Makhachev recently said on X, hinting at a permanent move to the welterweight division to become a two-division champion. Moreover, Makhachev would want to take up ‘Father’s Plan’ up a notch and attain what even his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov could not do during his stint as the ‘leader’ of the Dagestani camp.
However, there is one complication. The intricate web of loyalty within mixed martial arts has never been more evident than in the case of Belal Muhammad, whose rise to welterweight supremacy is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Dagestan’s fighting dynasty. ‘Remember The Name’ isn’t merely another champion who occasionally crosses paths with Makhachev and the Nurmagomedov circle – he’s become an integral thread in the fabric of their fight family.
This bond transcends the conventional parameters of training partnerships and is rooted in the principles established by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who viewed fighting excellence as inseparable from brotherhood and faith. The connection runs deeper than shared training sessions or technical exchanges; it’s embedded in daily prayers, communal meals, and the kind of unwavering loyalty that has defined Team Khabib’s approach since their earliest days in the mountains of Dagestan.
Last year, Muhammad traveled to Dagestan to train with Khabib and Makhachev, further strengthening their relationship. This dynamic puts the lightweight champ in a tough spot. At 33 years old, Makhachev has already defended his title four times and has few true challengers left at 155 pounds. But with his close friend holding the belt just one division above 170 pounds, the situation gets complicated.
One possible solution? A move to 185 pounds—but that option has already been shut down by UFC CEO Dana White, who quickly dismissed the idea, saying, “I don’t know about that.” However, White has left the door open for a potential shift to welterweight, keeping fans on edge about Makhachev’s future.
Another possible scenario that could shake up the welterweight ranks is Muhammad losing his title to the surging Kazakh powerhouse, Shavkat Rakhmonov. As anticipation builds for their inevitable showdown, many fans have begun speculating about the possibility of Islam Makhachev eventually facing Rakhmonov in the Octagon.
However, Usman Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, is adamant that such a fight should never happen. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the Bellator 155lbs champ emphasized the deep cultural ties between Dagestan and Kazakhstan, explaining why a fight between Makhachev and Rakhmonov would be problematic.
“No, no, you don’t want that, because we’re from, uh, Russia, and our brothers are like Kazakh people now, like… and I know, of course, people don’t understand this, but I understand. Like when two guys from very close countries fight, it gets crazy. They begin fighting like crazy, even inside the country. Like, this is something I don’t like.”
Despite Usman’s objections to the Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov matchup, this potential fight can generate significant buzz, with the promise of drawing substantial PPVs and live gate sales. Both fighters have proven themselves as well-rounded contenders in the UFC, despite their wrestling-heavy backgrounds. The 155lbs champ, already a dominant champion, and Rakhmonov, who is rapidly rising through the ranks, both possess the skills and potential to make this an exciting matchup. With fans eager for this clash, the question remains: What do Makhachev and ‘Nomad’ think about it? Let’s find out.
What are Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov’s thoughts on fighting each other?
Like Usman Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev has also dismissed the idea of facing Shavkat Rakhmonov, who hails from the neighboring country of Kazakhstan. During the UFC 311 media week, Makhachev was asked about fighting the winner of the upcoming clash between Belal Muhammad and the Kazak prospect. He responded, “I know both guys. These are not the fights I would like, for sure – both Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Both are world-class fighters with all the skills. They’re going to have a good fight coming up, and that’s something I’m interested to see.”
At UFC 311, Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title against Renato Moicano, who stepped in on short notice. The spotlight then shifts to Rakhmonov, who had his share of last-minute change when Belal opted out of their title clash owing to a bone infection. This is when Ian Garry shattered the myth surrounding the Kazakh’s 100% finish record at UFC 310. The Irishman took the fight to deep waters despite suffering a loss.
As for Rakhmonov’s stance on a potential fight with the Dagestani prospect, he seems open to the idea. After his win over Garry, the welterweight contender spoke to Adlan Zubayraev last year, saying, “If Islam himself wants to fight, why not?” Although he wasn’t actively pursuing a super fight with the Dagestani, his willingness to entertain the matchup has certainly piqued interest. Rakhmonov further added, “I myself don’t strive for it, since I treat everyone well. But if he has a desire to move up, I won’t refuse. It will be purely sporting interest, I think. No problems.”
What do you think about a potential welterweight bout between Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov? Is this the fight everyone’s been waiting for? Share your thoughts below.
The post Khabib’s Cousin Claims Islam Makhachev Will Avoid Undefeated UFC Welterweight if He Moves Up to 170 Lbs appeared first on EssentiallySports.
