“Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah Let’s go.” Soon after Belal Muhammad lost the bout against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Islam Makhachev dropped his decision regarding the move to the welterweight division on X. Well, ‘Remember The Name’ and Makhachev are pretty close associates. And that pushed the duo away from a matchup. So, had Muhammad remained on the mantle of the welterweight throne, there was no way Makhachev would have opted to move to 170 pounds. But with Muhammad out of the throne, the Dagestani couldn’t stop himself from going after the second belt. However, there was another fighter taking aim at the lightweight champion as he stepped into the welterweight realm. 

Yes, we’re indeed talking about Joaquin Buckley. Immediately after Makhachev dropped the aforementioned tweet, ‘New Mansa’ sent a subtle jab as a reply. He wrote, “Crazy praying for your so-called brothers down fall #InshaAllahIsWild.” While Makhachev has yet to respond to Buckley, ‘New Mansa’ was already on the hunt. Of course, Makhachev will have to compete against the current welterweight champion first. But after that, we might get to see him fight Buckley. And the #7 welterweight contender has a warning to issue for the Dagestani for that time. 

During a recent conversation with Parry Punch’s Jacob Castro, ‘New Mansa’ said, “Even though me and Islam had never had a connection, I best I tell you right now, he gonna know a lot about me if we ever get booked to fight. And not only that. Don’t get it twisted. The people that he had struggled with and the people that have shown a couple of holes in his game, I’m gonna be his worst nightmare, not JDM. JDM has a lot of holes that Islam can exploit.” 

Buckley confirmed that these holes in Della Maddalena’s game weren’t something that got the highlight in his fight against Gilbert Burns, or any previous opponent. However, there was something different with Buckley. He claimed that the way he defeated Colby Covington and the way he planned to go up against Kamaru Usman would definitely put Khabib Nurmagomedov in a state of concern for Makhachev. He continued, “But with me, though, and what I did to Colby and what I’m gonna do to Kamaru Usman, Islam is gonna be in his head. Even Khabib probably going to tell his a— maybe moving up ain’t a good idea. I bet you. But I’m hunting for that. I want that pound-for-pound.” 

Needless to say, the UFC welterweight division is set to welcome the Dagestani champion. However, there are fighters other than Della Maddalena and Buckley who have the power to defeat Makhachev. Let’s see what it’s all about.

How does Islam Makhachev’s future in the welterweight realm look?

Derek Brunson recently took to X to subtly warn Makhachev. According to him, there are many fighters in the 170-pound division who have the potential to beat the Dagestani. And the list included Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, Michael Morales, and Sean Brady. The tweet read, “The UFC welterweight division right now JACK MADDALENA, SEAN BRADY, SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV, IAN GARRY, JOAQUIN BUCKLEY & MICHAEL MORALES. A lot of young talent and potentially fun fights. It’s not too late to tell Islam he has to stay at 155.”

However, not every MMA star had the same opinion. Henry Cejudo, during a conversation with ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, pointed out that the next bout in the welterweight division might be between Usman and Makhachev. Exactly! He believed that Usman had the power to beat Buckley, removing him from the title picture and a possible shot against Makhachev. He said, “But can I tell you something, Kamaru, this is where the wrench is being thrown in. You’re boys with Islam, and honestly, I favor Islam in this fight with ‘JDM’. Islam defeats ‘JDM’, you beat Joaquim Buckley. I can already see you just, you know, getting uncomfortable there Kush. Are we going to see a potential matchup with the Nigerian Nightmare and Islam Makachev?” 

Usman agreed that it was indeed a great matchup – current P4P #1 vs former P4P #1. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ expressed his admiration for the Dagestani team. But first, Makhachev will get the chance to fight for the welterweight title. The only question that remains now is, will the Dagestani champion be able to defeat Della Maddalena in their next fight? 

What are your thoughts on Buckley’s confidence against the Dagestani champion? Do you think ‘New Mansa’ can defeat Makhachev in the welterweight division? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.