Islam Makhachev is known for never avoiding a challenge, embodying an “anyone, anywhere, anytime” mindset. This famous quote is even displayed at the UFC Performance Institute, highlighting his willingness to fight.
Reflecting on this attitude, Makhachev stated in 2023, following a late opponent switch, that being champion means being the world`s best, and it shouldn`t matter who is across the cage. He emphasized his readiness, saying he could never refuse a fight.
Given this history, it seems unlikely that Makhachev would suddenly avoid a bout with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. However, this notion emerged after Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to challenge for the welterweight belt against Jack Della Maddalena, aiming for a second division title. Topuria openly accused Makhachev of “ducking” him, a sentiment echoed by some analysts. Yet, UFC veteran Matt Brown strongly dismisses this idea.
On the podcast `The Fighter vs. The Writer`, Brown expressed his astonishment: “I`m really surprised people are suggesting that. It`s quite a foolish statement. The phrase `Islam ducking someone` simply doesn`t fit. Those words don`t belong together. I don`t see any truth to it whatsoever.”
Brown argued, “In fact, Jack Della Maddalena is, in some ways, a larger version of Ilia. Both are excellent boxers known for their power. That seems to be their primary strength. It strikes me as illogical to move up a weight division to face a powerful, skilled boxer if you were trying to avoid a smaller fighter who is also a powerful, skilled boxer?”
Della Maddalena, who recently claimed the title by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, is considered a top boxer in MMA, possessing significant knockout power. Standing 5`11″ with a 73-inch reach, he is considerably larger than Topuria, the former featherweight champion, who measures 5`7″ with a 69-inch reach.
Makhachev`s physical stats fall between the two: he is shorter and has a shorter reach than Della Maddalena but is notably larger than Topuria in both height and reach.
This size difference further supports Brown`s disbelief in the idea that Makhachev is avoiding a challenging fight with Topuria only to charge into an even tougher situation against Della Maddalena.
Brown reiterated, “The words `Islam` and `ducking` are incompatible. It makes absolutely no sense. While `ducking` does happen, we need to define it. Does it mean actively avoiding a specific opponent? Islam is pursuing a greater opportunity. By no reasonable definition is that `ducking`.”
He also touched on the business side, suggesting that much of the “ducking” talk comes from certain fan bases looking for drama. “People often exaggerate things. Regarding Islam, I detect zero hint of him avoiding anyone. I believe he`d even compete at 185 or 205 pounds if the chance arose.”
From a stylistic perspective, Brown, who fought his entire UFC career at welterweight, feels Makhachev is accepting a greater risk by moving up.
While acknowledging Topuria`s impressive performance in the UFC, Brown pointed out that weight classes serve a purpose and questioned whether Della Maddalena might actually be a tougher opponent for Makhachev.
“Jack is simply bigger and stronger,” Brown stated. “In fact, I`d argue Jack is even more technically refined than Ilia on the feet. Ilia might have more pound-for-pound power, but Jack likely possesses superior technique.”
“Therefore, this isn`t a safer fight for Islam at all,” Brown concluded. “Suggesting he`s avoiding a smaller boxer only to face a larger one is quite strange.”
Brown also highlighted legacy as a key factor in Makhachev`s decision to vacate the lightweight title and pursue welterweight gold.
Makhachev already holds the record for consecutive lightweight title defenses in UFC history with four, surpassing his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov`s three defenses.
Moving up to potentially win a second title would place Makhachev in an elite group. Perhaps more significantly, it offers the opportunity to defend a championship in a second weight class.
“If Islam can dominate that division, it will be legendary,” Brown remarked. “We`ve already discussed if he`s surpassed Khabib. Beating Jack would certainly strengthen that argument. If, hypothetically, he defends the welterweight title four times, when does he enter the conversation for greatest of all time? I believe this is achievable for Islam, which is why his move up is so compelling.”
“Adding several wins in your current division is one thing,” Brown explained, “but moving up and defending the title multiple times in a division filled with `killers` – those won`t be simple fights. They won`t be fighters moving up from lightweight. There are plenty of top contenders already there. This path presents a truly exciting future for Islam.”
