Islam Makhachev, the formidable force currently reigning over the UFC lightweight division, has solidified his status with multiple successful title defenses. Dominance in one weight class often sparks speculation about aspirations in another, and recent discussions suggest Makhachev may be contemplating a move north to the welterweight division (170 lbs) to challenge the newly crowned champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
This potential divisional shift has naturally captured the attention of fighters already operating within the welterweight landscape. Among them is veteran contender Stephen `Wonderboy` Thompson, a fighter with significant experience at 170 pounds, including multiple shots at the divisional title. Thompson recently shared his perspective on Makhachev`s potential move and the ripple effects it could have.
From Thompson`s viewpoint, a move by a champion from a different weight class, regardless of their pedigree, is bound to cause friction within the target division`s top ranks. He expressed an understanding, perhaps even an expectation, that welterweights firmly entrenched in the top-five would be less than thrilled by such a scenario. The core of their potential grievance, as Thompson articulates, lies in the perceived bypassing of established contenders who have been actively competing and climbing the ladder within the division.
Thompson specifically highlighted fighters like the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, the rising Ian Garry, and the ever-relevant former champion Kamaru Usman (following his recent victory), positing that these athletes, having dedicated their recent careers to competing at 170 pounds, hold a stronger claim to a title shot based on divisional tenure and performance. The logic is straightforward: if you`ve been consistently beating the top fighters in a division, you`ve earned your place in the queue. Injecting a champion from elsewhere, however accomplished, disrupts this established hierarchy.
Beyond the political landscape of title contention, Thompson also offered a technical assessment of a hypothetical Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena matchup. While acknowledging Makhachev`s overall skillset and recent dominance (including his victory over Renato Moicano), Thompson views a move to welterweight as a significant challenge. He pointed to Della Maddalena`s natural size advantage and his demonstrated proficiency in takedown defense – skills critical when facing a grappler of Makhachev`s caliber. Thompson drew a parallel between Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad, another fighter known for strong grappling credentials, whom Della Maddalena recently defeated to claim the title.
Interestingly, Thompson suggested that Makhachev`s striking might possess a different dimension compared to Muhammad`s, hinting at potential stylistic nuances in a potential clash. However, his overall technical analysis leaned towards recognizing the inherent difficulties Makhachev would face in navigating the physical and stylistic challenges presented by a top-tier, naturally larger welterweight like Della Maddalena.
In essence, Stephen Thompson`s commentary provides a grounded perspective from within the welterweight ranks. While respecting Makhachev`s capabilities, his analysis underscores the potential disruption to the divisional pecking order and highlights the significant technical hurdles involved in a champion successfully transitioning to challenge for a belt in a heavier weight class. The sentiment seems to be: let the divisional contenders have their shot first, but if the fight happens, it`s far from a foregone conclusion.
