Islam Makhachev Evaluates Welterweight Contenders After UFC 330 Title Defense

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has broken down the state of his new 170-pound division following his title defense at UFC 330, evaluating top contenders including Ian Machado Garry, Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov while dismissing the threat of Yaroslav Amosov.

Makhachev just beat Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 for his first official title defense at 170 lbs after previously fighting at lightweight for his entire UFC career.

Makhachev Assesses the Welterweight Contenders

Islam Makhachev Evaluates Top Contenders With Ushatayka

Following his transition from lightweight dominance and his subsequent title defense at 170 pounds, Islam Makhachev is surveying a packed landscape of contenders. Speaking to Ushatayka, the champion evaluated the top-tier names currently positioning themselves for a shot at his belt, placing several fighters in the same tier while singling out others.

Photo: bloodyelbow.com

Honestly, I put (Prates, Shavkat and Morales) all on the same level. Prates has striking power he's dangerous. Morales himself is very big, and he's dangerous both in wrestling and on the feet. Shavkat as well, overall skill-wise he's a very serious opponent, Makhachev said

Dismissing Amosov While Praising Garry

Islam Makhachev Dismisses Yaroslav Amosov While Praising Ian Machado Garry

While the division boasts several threats, Makhachev is seemingly not concerned by Yaroslav Amosov’s UFC run, and the champion does not view the former Bellator MMA welterweight champion as a primary concern.

I don't think (Amosov) is a dangerous opponent. Someone shut down his wrestling, and look what happened. I don't consider him a dangerous fighter at all, Makhachev told Ushatayka, in a clip reposted by Home of Fight. Makhachev is seemingly referring to the one loss on Amosov’s record, where he lost his Bellator belt to Jason Jackson when Jason Jackson knocked Yaroslav Amosov out during their title fight at Bellator 301. While the Ukrainian’s dominant grappling was previously called a “nightmare” matchup for Makhachev with the argument that he could match him in this department, the champion remains unimpressed.

Photo: antaranews.com

By contrast, Makhachev pointed to his recent opponent as the most severe test he has faced in the weight class. Having shared the Octagon with Ian Machado Garry, Makhachev rates Ian Machado Garry higher than Yaroslav Amosov. I think one of the most dangerous and serious opponents was my last fight with Ian Garry. And I think he'll become champion after I'm done being champion, Makhachev said.

Islam Makhachev Defends Welterweight Title Against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330

Makhachev believes that Garry will become the champion after he is finished being the champion.

The Title Picture and Upcoming Schedule

Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, and Shavkat Rakhmonov Form Next Wave of Challengers

Next, Makhachev is likely to fight Carlos Prates, though the UFC hasn’t officially announced that the Brazilian knockout artist will get the next title shot. It does feel like Prates will get the next title shot at 170 lbs since he is the most exciting fighter in the weight class right now. If not Prates, then Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov are both interesting title challengers for Makhachev, who has plenty of challenges remaining at 170 lbs, including former Bellator MMA welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov.

Makhachev still plans to compete several more times after successfully defending his welterweight title for the first time. This means that we will get to see how the former 155-pound titleholder matches up with several different contenders. Makhachev may be hoping to fight again in the near future, but believes that he’s already beaten the man that will hold the belt when he steps away.

Looking Ahead

Kemenangan Atas Ian Machado Garry Membawa Rekor 18 Kemenangan Beruntun UFC

Kemenangan atas Ian Machado Garry pada UFC 330 membuat petarung asal Rusia itu resmi menorehkan 18 kemenangan beruntun di ajang UFC, sekaligus melewati rekor legendaris Anderson Silva. Rekor 18 kemenangan beruntun bukan sekadar tambahan dalam daftar statistik, melainkan bukti konsistensi yang membawanya melewati salah satu pencapaian paling sulit disentuh dalam sejarah UFC. Namun, Makhachev ternyata belum puas. Setelah melewati rekor Silva, mantan juara kelas ringan itu justru mulai memikirkan pencapaian besar berikutnya. Ia bahkan mengakui masih belum menentukan rekor mana yang akan menjadi target selanjutnya.

Photo: merdeka.com

Tidak ada rekor yang tak bisa dipecahkan, kata Makhachev dikutip media Rusia Ushatayka. Makhachev menyadari sejumlah rekor besar UFC masih berada di luar jangkauannya untuk saat ini. Salah satunya adalah catatan kemenangan dalam pertarungan perebutan gelar milik Jon Jones yang mencapai 16 kemenangan. Catatan lain yang juga menarik perhatiannya adalah rekor Anderson Silva dalam hal kemenangan melalui penyelesaian pada pertarungan gelar. Silva tercatat memiliki sembilan kemenangan lewat finish dalam laga perebutan atau mempertahankan sabuk.