One of Islam Makhachev`s undefeated training partners has revealed that the current pound-for-pound number one fighter could potentially return to the lightweight division following his upcoming attempt to capture welterweight gold.
Movlid Khaybulaev, a featherweight competitor with an impressive 22-0-1 record, is set to compete in the PFL World Tournament semi-finals. He is a regular training partner for Makhachev under the guidance of their coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khaybulaev has observed Makhachev`s preparations for his move up to 170 pounds, where he is scheduled to face the new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev`s Move to Welterweight May Not Be Permanent, According to Teammate
When Islam Makhachev decided to move up to the welterweight division, he vacated his lightweight championship belt, which he had held through a record-breaking reign. This move opened the door for Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria to compete for the vacant title at UFC 317.
However, Khaybulaev suggests that Makhachev`s time at 155 pounds might not be completely finished. While he mentioned that rematches with Oliveira or a fight against the featherweight champion Topuria are not currently viewed as particularly exciting options for Islam, a return could happen if a suitable and interesting matchup arises.
Speaking ahead of his PFL semi-final bout, Khaybulaev stated, “He said himself if he is going to have an interesting fight at lightweight he will always come back. It’s just that he feels right now there is nobody new left for him and he just wants to test himself which is why he is going up to welterweight.”
Islam Makhachev Supported for Success in Welterweight Transition
Before considering a move back down, Makhachev`s primary focus is securing the second championship belt. At the Nurmagomedov-led gym, fighters train together across different weight classes, meaning Khaybulaev has already witnessed Makhachev sparring effectively with larger welterweight partners.
Khaybulaev expressed confidence in Makhachev`s decision, explaining, “I fully trust Islam’s experience and how he feels himself going a weight up. We’ve got a bunch of people we train with at different weight classes. For example, me. I train with Islam, who is a lightweight and we are totally different. But it also helps me to test myself to see physically where I stand with different opponents. I feel it will be the same for him, and if he feels that he’s ready then that means he probably is. He probably tested himself multiple times with the heavier guys.”
