With UFC International Fight Week approaching, Islam Makhachev appears laser-focused on one thing: the welterweight throne. The lightweight champion of the UFC started his training camp for an unannounced fight, as many expected, he is preparing to face Ilia Topuria. But what came as a massive shock for the whole MMA community was an IG story posted by his gym partner Raisov Yusuf, who wrote: “he goes for the second one,@danawhite.” Indicating that Makhachev wants the welterweight title shot even if he has to go against a close friend or the dangerous Australian striker.

The biggest talking point before the UFC 315 main event bout between the welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad, and challenger, Jack Della Maddalena, is the entry of Islam Makhachev in their division. After giving a clear message to the MMA community, Makhachev has put even ‘Bully B’ on high alert. But not all welterweights are intimidated by the idea of Makhachev coming to their division. A Brazilian UFC star welcomed him to his division, as he believes that being in the welterweight division is the place to be for Islam.

As former 170-pound title challenger and ranked #8th in the division, Gilbert Burns, sat down to have a conversation with ‘Inside Fighting’, he talked about Islam Makhachev’s dream to fight at welterweight. He emphasized how Makhachev struggled to cut weight at 155 pounds, and at 170 pounds, he will be feeling much better as his weight-cut struggles will be minimized as well.

The BJJ expert and brown belt, weighed in his thoughts on Makhachev, as he said: “Yes, I think he’s nice. That good, I think he’s already big. I think Islam is a welterweight. He’s already big. He just kills himself to make weight, and every time he makes weight, he looks horrible. After the weigh-in, he’s big again. I think he is a welterweight. Yeah, I favor him over Jack and Belal. Not an easy fight but yeah, I favor him over Jack and Belal”

Indeed, Makhachev’s larger frame at lightweight does give him an advantage over his opponents, but the weight cuts surely take a toll on him. With the approval of yet another sport expert, Gilbert Burns, it seems Makhachev’s dream to be the welterweight champion may finally come true soon.

Yet he is not the only sport veteran who wants to see him as a welterweight. Ever since the internet has been abuzz with speculations about Islam Makhachev competing at welterweight, fighters and veterans alike have shown their excitement for this new chapter of Islam’s story. Let’s read further to find out.

Islam Makhachev eyes the welterweight throne. Fighters and veterans alike approve of his ambition

It was not so long ago when it seemed like Islam Makhachev would stick to the lightweight division and further cement his legacy just because his welterweight ambitions were halted by the close friendship of ‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov and Belal Muhammad. But now, as the future has become more uncertain than ever as to who Islam will face next, fighters and veterans weighed in on their thoughts just in case Islam does move up to the 170-pound division.

“He can jump the queue if he wants to. He’s Islam Makhachev, he is the pound-for-pound number one. You gotta give respect where respect is due. And if that man turns up, and says, ‘I wanna be next’, and I think everyone in the welterweight division goes like, ‘okay.’ And I think if you try and argue that, then you don’t have respect for the greatest in the world. ” Said Ian Machado Garry as he believes Makhachev has earned the right to choose his next step, and others should respect it.

Makhachev’s long-time coach, Javier Mendez, also shared his thoughts on Makhachev’s motivation as he said: “I 100 percent see that. And the reason why I see that is because Islam wishes that. And when he wishes that, he’s going to will it to happen. So he’s going to train, he’s going to clear out the division like he wants to do, and then he is going to go for the welterweight title, and whoever that person at that particular time is going to be, I feel he’s going to beat.” 

Even the ‘Bad Guy’ of the UFC, Chael Sonnen, couldn’t resist complimenting Makhachev and his grit, saying: “Makhachev will probably move to the welterweight division… All this sounds very intriguing.” All of this pushes Makhachev in the direction of finally achieving his dream of being a welterweight champion.

Yet the question still remains: Will Islam Makhachev look over the friendship of Belal Muhammad and challenge him for a title shot? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.