Islam Makhachev is set to go up against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This fight marks a rematch for the UFC lightweight title between the duo, a follow-up to their initial meeting, which occurred almost an year back at UFC 284. In that particular contest, Makhachev emerged as the victor following a close five-round battle.
However, this match-up is not what was originally planned by the UFC, as former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira was supposed to take on Islam previously. Nevertheless, the Brazilian had to pull out after a devastating injury just two weeks before the much-awaited contest on October 21. So, ‘The Great’ stepped up to save the day for the fight fans and, of course, for UFC boss Dana White to challenge the Dagestani champ.
Before their initial encounter, a significant part of the conversation about their showdown centered on the contrast in size between the two fighters. Now, as they prepare for their big rematch, the issue of Islam Makhachev’s physical stature has once again surfaced after an interview on DC & RC with his good friend and training partner, Daniel Cormier.
Cormier, while joking with Islam, said, “You also weigh 200. It’s not like you don’t weigh 200. We weigh the same.”
The UFC lightweight champion stands out as one of the tallest contenders in his division. He has, in fact, recently opened up about his desire to step up to the welterweight division and take on the victor of the Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington welterweight title bout, which is slated as the main event for UFC 296. Moreover, Covington himself has multiple times called out Makhachev for ‘weight bullying’.
Fans react to Daniel Cormier’s comments about Islam Makhachev
Fans could not keep calm after they came across DC’s comments on Islam Makhachev’s walkaround weight. One of the fans was concerned for the Russian champion as they commented, “Cutting 45 pounds should be illegal. Definition of a weight bully. Killing himself for an advantage.”
Another fan resonated with the above comment, as they wrote, “That is super unhealthy. Wow, go up a weight class or 3.” One X user, however, clarified things by writing, “In that same interview, he said he weighs 183–185. Stop with the lies”.
Islam Makhachev weighs 200lbs out of competition and cuts to 155lbs for fights per Daniel Cormier. pic.twitter.com/qSkTxLXSR9
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) October 17, 2023
Fans should note that although extreme weight cuts for fighters can prove to be dangerous for them, the whole process is overseen by professional nutritionists and doctors. Moreover, it is a very common practice in the world of combat sports, and most of the fighters go through it before their fights for gaining a size advantage.