The welterweight (77 kg) champion Islam Makhachev, speaking about possible super-fights, gave everyone one signal: "I feel very comfortable here." Especially when discussing a potential clash with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, Makhachev openly stated that he was not worried.
In his opinion, the most dangerous opponents in the 77 kg category are guys with heavy blows, who can "shut them off" with a single blow. At this point, Makhachev specifically mentioned Michael Morales: "His shots are much more dangerous, he can put the opponent to sleep with each shot," he said in an interview with Vladimir Chetverik. That is, the price of a small error in this weight is high.
As for topuria, Makhachev's point of view is rather cold: he says that Ilia in 77 kg might not be as "explosive" a threat as in 70 kg. The reason is simple: in this weight class, the opponents' physics is different - mass, strength, and distance. Makhachev also emphasized the point that "his weight and height are smaller," stating that Topuriya doesn't see much danger for herself if she moves up to welterweight.
As a reminder, Islam Makhachev won the welterweight championship belt at UFC 322, defeating Australian Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision. This is the main intrigue surrounding him after this victory: against whom will Makhachev defend his belt - against "reserve" strikers, or against famous, hype-generating super-bats?
In short, Makhachev's mood is understandable: in 77 kg, "strike" is more dangerous than "name," he says. Now it's the octagon: the question is decided there by the fist and skill.
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