UFC Welterweight Makes A Bold Claim Saying Islam Makhachev Is Not A ‘Big Threat’

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Debmallya Chakraborty

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UFC welterweight sparks controversy by claiming lightweight champ Islam Makhachev is overrated and not a real threat in the Octagon
Islam Makhachev (Photo by Jasmin Frank/Imagn Images)

Islam Makhachev has mostly dominated his opponents so far in his career. Taking over the lightweight division, the Dagestani has been relentless in putting over the toughest of his rivals. However, now, he has embarked on a fresh challenge. Going up in weight, Makhachev will be challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. While most people think Makhachev would repeat his dominance, UFC welterweight star Joaquin Buckley begs to differ.

Ahead of his big match with Kamaru Usman, Buckley reflected on the Makhachev effect on the welterweight division. Surprisingly, he did not seem too concerned. Rather, Buckley pointed out that the former lightweight champion would not be a ‘big threat.’ In order to justify his claims, Buckley went on to state that apart from himself, there were some menacing names like Sean Brady, Ian Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and more. And Makhachev needs to beat all of them to justify his legacy.

“Islam ain’t no big threat to the welterweight division. This is the deepest weight class you can get into right now. Not only myself, but guys like Ian Garry, Shavkat, Sean Brady. Islam’s definitely gonna have to prove to the world that he’s ready for this division,” said Buckley. 

Surely, it will not be a cakewalk for Islam Makhachev. With Della Maddalena at the helm, Makhachev needs to be ready to counter his explosive power. After all, the manner in which he fought against Belal Muhammad was phenomenal. However, despite all the dark clouds of uncertainty looming large, Sean O’Malley is backing the Dagestani to become a two-division champion.

Sean O’Malley Confident In Islam Makhachev Taking The Welterweight Victory

Sean O’Malley quits social media
Sean O’Malley (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Sean O’Malley did suffer a heartbreak against Merab Dvalishvili. But when it comes to loving the sport, O’Malley is up for it at once. Dissecting the upcoming fights, O’Malley delved deep into the Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena fight. ‘Suga’ opined that despite Della Maddalena packing a punch, it will be the Dagestani having the last laugh.

“Islam — he’s always fun to watch. I’m curious to see Islam at 170. I don’t think he’s gonna look too small. It’s gonna be a good couple of scraps.,” O’Malley said.

Thus, with a lot of questions looming, it remains to be seen whether Islam Makhachev will be able to answer them all.

Also Read: Belal Muhammad Teases Return On Same PPV As Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev