Overview

• Makhachev vacated his lightweight belt in June and is training toward a speculative welterweight title challenge against undefeated champion Jack Della Maddalena at Madison Square Garden in November.
• A recently released gym video shows Makhachev applying a choke that renders teammate Makkasharip Zaynukov unconscious, spotlighting his grappling dominance.
• Observers note that Makhachev’s focus on adding mass to compete at 170 pounds has raised questions about his conditioning and power at the higher weight.
• UFC analysts including Chael Sonnen and Josh Thomson warn that a defeat could force Makhachev to rebuild in a new division and underscore the fifteen-pound leap’s challenge.
• Meanwhile, contenders such as Shavkat Rakhmonov and Sean Brady are positioning themselves for undercard spots at MSG as they vie for future title opportunities.