Hold on tight, fight fans! The whispers are true: Islam Makhachev is looking massive! But is this newfound size a game-changer, or a risky gamble? Ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, Makhachev has unveiled a physique that has the MMA world buzzing, with some fans even declaring "RIP JDM" in anticipation of the fight.
The former lightweight champion is stepping up to welterweight (170lbs) to challenge Aussie powerhouse Jack Della Maddalena early Sunday morning at the iconic Madison Square Garden. This main event is shaping up to be an absolute barnburner.
For nearly ten months, Makhachev has been secretly sculpting his body for this welterweight debut. The transformation remained largely hidden... until now. A sneak peek, courtesy of Usman Nurmagomedov (Khabib's cousin and fellow fighter), hit social media earlier this week and sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The clip showed a topless Makhachev, looking significantly more muscular, walking around the octagon after a training session. The reaction was immediate and intense.
Fans flooded social media with comments like, "Okay, Islam is in his tank arc, I get it," and "NGL, a bit scared for Jack." Another fan remarked, "He looks like he’s fighting in the right weight class now. Really looking forward to Saturday." Clearly, the visual impact is undeniable.
But here's where it gets interesting... Makhachev's bulk isn't just about endless hours in the gym and a calorie-packed diet. He's revealed the secret weapon behind his transformation: creatine.
“I’m using creatine for the first time in my life, almost every day,” Makhachev told ESPN. “It’s the first supplement where I actually see real changes. It helps with recovery, helps gain weight, gives strength.” For those unfamiliar, creatine is a popular fitness supplement that helps muscles produce energy during heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise. It's generally considered safe and effective, but its use can sometimes lead to water retention and increased muscle mass.
He elaborated on the challenges of gaining weight while maintaining his intense training schedule. “It’s really hard to gain mass, but eventually I got a bit bigger. Over the last couple of months, it’s been a struggle,” he explained. “I was taking protein and creatine after every training session and tried to eat more. But it’s difficult to gain weight when you train twice a day.”
Makhachev aims to walk around at 87 kg (approximately 192 lbs) and weigh around 83 kg (approximately 183 lbs) during fight week. He noted that he previously weighed between 82-83 kg, so the increase is substantial. And this is the part most people miss: the weight cut! Makhachev believes the move to welterweight will actually make the weight cut easier on his body.
He emphasized the importance of recovery, stating, “I used to feel like I recovered only 60–70 per cent [at lightweight]. It’s hard to recover in just 30 hours. Now I’m really curious to see how I’ll recover. I already feel it’s going to be different, especially in the later rounds, the championship rounds.”
The big question remains: Will this added size and strength translate to victory against Jack Della Maddalena? Some argue that Makhachev's grappling prowess will be amplified, making him an even more formidable opponent. Others worry that the increased weight could hinder his speed and agility, potentially leaving him vulnerable against Della Maddalena's striking.
Here's a controversial thought: Could Makhachev's reliance on creatine be a short-term solution with potential long-term drawbacks? While it undoubtedly aids in muscle growth and recovery, some argue that it can mask underlying weaknesses and create a dependence on the supplement.
UFC 322 is set to be an explosive event you won't want to miss! To catch all the action live in the UK, tune into TNT Sports Box Office. TNT Sports is your home for all things UFC. Visit their website for more information.
Now, it’s your turn to weigh in! Do you think Makhachev's transformation is a masterstroke that will lead to welterweight dominance, or a risky experiment that could backfire? Will the added muscle mass give him an edge, or will it slow him down against Della Maddalena’s striking? Let us know your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
