Islam Makhachev reached the pinnacle of the lightweight division, securing wins over top UFC names like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and more. Although he has now increased in weight and no longer competes in the lightweight class, Makhachev still holds deep respect for some of his past opponents. Among all, he admires Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski the most.
The Dagestani fighter had previously invited Demetrious Johnson to visit his homeland. Both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are known for welcoming fighters they share mutual respect with to Dagestan. Recently, the former lightweight champion expressed his admiration for two of his toughest opponents, saying:
“Of all my opponents, I respect Volk and Dustin the most. I want to invite them to my country because they have a lot of people here who support and love them.”
Islam Makhachev expressed his admiration for two of his former opponents, saying, “Of all my opponents, I respect Volk and Dustin the most. I want to invite them to my country because they have a lot of people here who support and love them.”
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 26, 2025
(via @MMAJunkie )@MAKHACHEVMMA 🤝… pic.twitter.com/Ybq0PSDrCo
Meanwhile, Makhachev is now pursuing new heights in the UFC as he sets his sights on the welterweight title. While it’s been verbally confirmed between Dana White and Makhachev’s manager that he’ll get a title shot at 170 lbs, fans are still waiting for an official announcement to make it concrete.
Ilia Topuria Shares A Key Tactic To Help Jack Della Maddalena Defend Islam Makhachev’s Takedowns
Ilia Topuria, who was originally preparing to face Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, has now turned his attention to Jack Della Maddalena as Makhachev moves up to 170 lbs in pursuit of a second belt. With Makhachev calling out JDM, Topuria offered advice that could help defend against the Dagestani’s dominant wrestling.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
In a recent interview with MainEventTV, Topuria shared his strategy: “If he [Jack] works straight body shots, he is gonna stop his intentions of [Islam’s] takedown attempts. And he is doing a great job.”
Topuria also praised Della Maddalena’s striking abilities and mentioned that he enjoys watching him compete. Meanwhile, the potential welterweight title clash is shaping up to be a major event, one that fans are eagerly anticipating.
Also Read: Team Islam Makhachev Drops Shocking Timeline For Dagestani Icon’s Retirement
