Islam Makhachev’s rise has always felt very deliberate, like a surgical plan carried out with precision. From Dagestan’s gyms to his lightweight reign, every step has been calculated. But as UFC 322 approaches and he is one fight away from welterweight gold, the tone has shifted. He’s not just chasing legacy; he’s creating an empire. And the move? It’s no longer just physical but also symbolic.

After all, the Dagestani phenom now wishes to be the king of yet another division. His fight with Jack Della Maddalena isn’t about rankings or belts; it’s about curiosity. Whether his control and brutal pace translate into a division based on size and power. He’s bulked up, taken creatine for the first time, and appears sharper than ever. But, as the fight approaches, one question looms larger than the title itself: what’s next if he wins?

Islam Makhachev picks Kamaru Usman to be his first challenger

When Adin Ross asked Islam Makhachev who he wanted to face if he defeated Della Maddalena, the Dagestani did not hesitate. “Kamaru Usman,” he said. “He has the most title defenses at welterweight; now he’s in a good position.” Well, some fans would be surprised by this decision, one that has been made out of restraint rather than ambition.

While many anticipated him to call out Khamzat Chimaev and go for the dream match at middleweight, Makhachev chose a name based on legacy rather than hype. There is something almost poetic about it. Kamaru Usman, once thought to be unstoppable, now stands where Makhachev once was, on the outside.

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For the Dagestani phenom, it is more than just adding another belt or paycheck; it is about measuring oneself against the best of the previous generation. And this is definitely a decision even head honcho Dana White would agree with, as the UFC CEO recently dubbed ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ as “the greatest welterweight of all time.” So, if the new lightweight champion demands a fight with Usman, he shall surely get it.

Of course, the fight between Islam and Kamaru, while entertaining with a potential for massive hype, does no-one any favors. Why would a champion defend against a  former champion and now-veteran of the sport, when they are clear contenders in the division? This would just clog the division up, considering Usman is ranked at #5 in the welterweight division, and before him, are names like Leon Edwards, Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and even his friend Belal Muhammad.

The choice also puts an end to rumors of a Khamzat Chimaev superfight, at least for now. Makhachev appears uninterested in theatrical storylines or chaotic buildups. His emphasis is on structure: grab the title, defend it against the man who previously ruled it, and absurd those 5 title defences through one defeat. Much like how Jon Jones went after Stipe Miocic since the latter is the only man with three title defences (the most) at heavyweight.

The rise of ‘Borz’ may have attracted fans, but Makhachev’s idea of greatness is more straightforward: defeat the greatest, not the loudest. But what does Khabib Nurmagomedov think about it? Would ‘The Eagle’ want his pupil to stay at welterweight, move back to lightweight for a clash against Ilia Topuria, or try a run at middleweight next?

Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals his plans for Islam Makhachev’s future following UFC 322

For Khabib Nurmagomedov, the story didn’t end with another belt; it started there. He’s been in this same place before, weighing legacy against the drive for more. The difference is that ‘The Eagle’ had to retire after his father’s passing. Islam Makhachev was built for endurance. And that is precisely why his mentor wants him to stay put. After all, what’s the sense of climbing another mountain if you haven’t staked your claim deep enough on the one you just conquered?

“I want Islam to stay at welterweight because he just turned 34,” Nurmagomedov said calmly and confidently. He believes that this is about longevity rather than power or momentum. “It’s not easy to stay in one weight class your whole life,” he said, characterizing Makhachev’s decision as growth rather than ego. The Dagestani great sees the bigger picture: a fighter capable of conquering two divisions without chasing chaos to prove it.

“If he wins this title and defends it, that’s history,” Khabib added. “After winning the second title, he’ll have a chance to become one of the best to ever do it.” There’s no talk of Ilia Topuria or middleweight experiments, just the straightforward, methodical approach Khabib Nurmagomedov has always advocated. Maintain a sense of stability. Build a legacy from within. In this sense, Makhachev isn’t just following his mentor’s teachings; he’s refining them, step by step, one division at a time.