Islam Makhachev’s next move to welterweight has stirred up strong reactions across the MMA world, sparking debates about the future of one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.
Fans Concerned Over Islam Makhachev’s Activity and Division Logjam
Following Belal Muhammad’s loss to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Islam Makhachev officially vacated his lightweight title to chase glory at 170 pounds. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the reigning No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter will now face Della Maddalena later this year in a blockbuster welterweight title bout.
While a date and location are yet to be finalized, the matchup is already one of the most talked-about bookings of the year.
White revealed that both fighters have verbally agreed to the fight, with Della Maddalena pushing for a home-soil defense in Australia. Meanwhile, the lightweight division will move forward with Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to determine the next champion.
BREAKING: Dana White announces UFC 317 Fight Card:
“Islam Makhachev will move up to the welterweight division to face Jack Della Maddalena.”
🎥: @danawhite | #UFC317 pic.twitter.com/sEd3PTx0xu
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD)
For Makhachev, this is a shot at becoming a two-division champion—an achievement that would cement his legacy in the sport. But despite the magnitude of the bout, the announcement has not been universally celebrated.
The idea of Makhachev reigning at welterweight has raised red flags among fans who fear it could stall one of the UFC’s most vibrant divisions. A particularly viral post by MMA journalist Sean Sheehan summarized the concern bluntly:
“The more I think about Dana’s announcements last night, the worse they get,” the tweet read. “Islam Makhachev being the welterweight champion is a nightmare. He fights once a year, and there are just too many challengers. Shavkat, Garry, Brady, Belal, again, maybe are all close to a shot.”
“Plus, Morales & Buckley getting into the mix. That division is purring right now. It does not need a major slowdown to a world where none of the above get a shot until summer 2026. At least at lightweight, you have lads like Poirier, Charles & Gaethje filling the top contender spots who have all already had their shots and can have massive fights between them. The 170 lads need that title active. And we know it just won’t be.”
The more I think about Dana's announcements last night, the worse they get.
Islam Makhachev being a welterweight champion is a nightmare. He fights once a year and there are just too many challengers. Shavkat, Garry, Brady, Belal again maybe are all close to a shot. Plus…
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA)
With contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, Sean Brady, and even Joaquin Buckley gaining momentum, fans worry that a champion with Makhachev’s activity level could jam up the title picture for years.
Others offered a counterpoint, suggesting that moving up in weight may allow Makhachev to fight more frequently due to less strain on his body. One fan quipped, “I think there’s a chance he’s more active at welterweight, less trauma to the body from weight cutting.”
Another added, “He fights once per year but is fighting twice this year,” referencing his bout against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in Jan.
While some see Makhachev’s move as a thrilling shakeup, others are bracing for disruption.
One fan wrote, “There is no guarantee he will win, and if he does, then the fans live with the consequences, which could be an exciting LW division with the champ gone. Was for sure the right decision to strip him, so at least one division moves onwards and upwards.”
Still, some questioned whether Makhachev’s dominant grappling would be as effective against bigger opponents:
“He might struggle to take down and hold down these bigger guys at will, yeah, he’s looked good at ‘55 and some might say better than Khabib, but others would say not even close … but moving up to 170…. These guys might be harder to keep down on the ground.”
Others speculated this may be Makhachev’s final run, citing his age and long-time coach Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments about the tail end of his prime.
“Islam probably has two fights left before he retires. The belt and a title defense (assuming he wins). He’s 33. According to Khabib, he’s ending his prime years,” one post read.
Usually twice except for 2024. Less of a weight cut could mean more.
— Billy Shakespeare (@J03stradamus)
Saying Islam fights once a year is a bit disingenuous. For the past 3 years, he's fought every 8 months.
— phag (@phag546329)
Yea no way was he gonna be a 2 Division champ. Lw wouldn’t have been defended till next summer. UFC made the right call
— Brandon (@Edwrds21)
With high stakes and uncertainty ahead, Makhachev’s welterweight debut promises to be one of the most closely watched fights of 2025, with significant consequences for both divisions—win or lose.