Overview
- Recent video from a Dubai beach, shared via Kris Fade’s Instagram story, shows Makhachev wrestling shirtless and appearing significantly larger than at lightweight.
- Islam Makhachev vacated the 155-pound title earlier this year and challenges Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt on November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
- Coach Javier Mendez has said Makhachev now walks around at nearly 191 pounds, and associate Magomed Zaynukov has suggested he may not return to lightweight.
- Fan reaction to the footage is split between expectations of improved power and health and concerns that added mass could hurt his cardio.
- Top lightweight Beneil Dariush has switched his pick to Della Maddalena, citing perceived advantages in size, speed, power and endurance.