UFC 284 is just another sleep away! With all the fight week formalities done and dusted, it is finally time for one of the biggest fights of the year. However, following the weigh-ins, fans were quick to point out that maybe Islam Makhachev could be in a little trouble ahead of his fight.
Ahead of each fight, fighters are required to make the weight limit for their division. Following the weigh-ins, the fighters are then allowed to rehydrate and replenish themselves. However, for Makhachev, this is likely to cause an issue, especially in Australia.
Go on stage for the final faceoff! 🔥@MakhachevMMA vs @AlexVolkanovski TOMORROW at #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/7wVrcW3NLS
— UFC (@ufc) February 11, 2023
Firstly, Islam happens to be a big lightweight, meaning he has a rougher weight cut than most in his division. This was evident with the torrid weight cut he had to endure for his fights against Thiago Moises and Charles Oliveira. Secondly, in Australia, a fighter only has 24-26 hours to rehydrate, as opposed to 30+ hours in the USA and UAE.
Although he didn’t miss weight, Islam did look quite drained and emotional after what may have been yet another rough cut. As a result, Alexander Volkanovski speculates that the rehydration rules might favor him a bit more. Being the lighter fighter, Volkanovski likely had a much easier time cutting and does not need to rehydrate much either.
Fans react to Islam Makhachev having weight cut troubles ahead of 284
Prior to the UFC 284 Ceremonial Weigh-ins, we saw the official weigh-ins take place. Notably, Islam needed to fully strip down and be covered by a box for his weigh-in. Although he was able to make the weight on his very first attempt, many felt that the Dagestani looked worse for wear. Let’s take a look at some of their reactions below!
that weight cut looks really scary. guessing he cut at least 25-30 pounds.
— Elijah (@Elijahk1000) February 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/tonyselbow1/status/1624189848016900099
Looks rough tbh
— .🥶 (@TreeIiving) February 10, 2023
That boy struggggling.
— Max Luciani (@MLucIani27) February 10, 2023
The only thing that may could beat the dagestani is weight cut….
— HaRriSmOn (@HarrismonEddy) February 10, 2023
Not gonna lie he looks sucked up rn
— ⏳ (@SupremeWhy) February 10, 2023
Show him hiding behind the curtain to make the weight first Lol
— Garrath Johnson (@garrathhh) February 11, 2023
I like him, but he is almost out here, 3 calories away from fainting 😅
— Caberinjo (@caberinjo) February 11, 2023
Almost dead as always. Its going to be 155 vs 170 tomorrow night
— 🦑 (@RedLukey) February 11, 2023
Show the actual weigh in vid- that scale was still moving. Welcome to Australia Islam, how’s that Perth summer weight cut treating you? You say you were “training” when you missed the Welcome to Country ceremony… but we all know you were with the doctor. Volk going to do work!
— Ridds1010 (@ridds1010) February 11, 2023
Although many fans feel that Islam looks much better than usual, others feel that the lightweight champ looks severely depleted. In addition to his already drained frame, Makhachev will also have less time to rehydrate and adapt to it. Previously, Islam has come out of weight cuts just fine, but this time could be a little different.
Some fans have pointed to Islam’s previous botched weight cuts and controversies, claiming that it will be detrimental to his health in the long run. However, in the short term, Islam and Co. must rally to find full fitness and have everything in order before the big night.
For the most part, fans and pundits are favoring Volkanovski to dominate during stand-up and Islam in the ground game. With the lightweight title and the #1 P4P ranking on the line, it is without a doubt, one of the most exciting fights UFC fans have seen in a long time!