Islam Makhachev: Fight today| Record| Weight class change

1. Fight Today: What’s on the Horizon?

As of January 18, 2025, Islam Makhachev successfully defended his UFC Lightweight Championship against Renato Moicano at UFC 311, winning via Brabo (D’Arce) choke submission in Round 1. That marked his latest Octagon appearance.

Since then, Makhachev has vacated the lightweight title to pursue new challenges. He is slated to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship later in 2025. Although the fight isn’t officially announced, rumors place it as a possible headliner at Madison Square Garden in November.

2. Record at a Glance

• Professional MMA Record: 27-1-0

• UFC Record: 16-1-0

• Finishing Breakdown:

  • TKO/KO wins: 5

  • Submission wins: 13

  • Decision wins: 9

• Longest Win-Streak: 15 consecutive victories (2016–2025)

Notable title reign highlights:

• UFC 280 (Oct 22, 2022): Captured vacant lightweight belt via arm-triangle choke submission over Charles Oliveira.

• UFC 284 (Feb 11, 2023): Defeated Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision in a Fight of the Night main event.

• UFC 294 (Oct 21, 2023): Knocked out Volkanovski with a head kick and punches in Round 1—Performance of the Night.

• UFC 302 (June 1, 2024): Submitted Dustin Poirier with a D’Arce choke in Round 5, earning both Performance and Fight of the Night.

• UFC 311 (Jan 18, 2025): Submitted Renato Moicano in Round 1 via Brabo choke. WikipediaUFCMMAmania.com

3. Weight Class Change: From 155 to 170

Makhachev’s journey beyond lightweight is a defining chapter:

• In May 2025, he officially vacated the UFC Lightweight Championship to pursue the Welterweight (170 lbs) title, creating space for Ilia Topuria to emerge as the new lightweight king.

• This sets up a potential clash with Welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena—a move that would mark a major shift in his career trajectory.

4. Strategic Implications & Expert Commentary

• Daniel Cormier, Makhachev’s mentor, cautioned that Islam may have only up to three fights left, including JDM, suggesting an impending twilight to his dominant run—though this hasn’t been confirmed by Islam himself.

• Khabib Nurmagomedov highlighted the size advantage Della Maddalena poses at welterweight, calling him possibly the toughest challenge yet for Makhachev.

• Chael Sonnen, UFC Hall of Famer, speculated about the fallout if Makhachev loses—especially whether he’d return to lightweight or have to rebuild at welterweight. He also noted that a Della Maddalena loss might reignite the possibility of a superfight with Ilia Topuria.

• Following Ilia Topuria’s win over Oliveira at UFC 317 for the lightweight title, he ascended to number one in pound-for-pound rankings, bumping Makhachev to #2. Makhachev suggested the shift might be a promotional setup for their potential megafight.