Islam Makhachev adds muscle, prefers welterweight division
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 5:08 AM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
UFC champion Islam Makhachev has gained 11 pounds of muscle since moving up to welterweight, according to his coach Javier Mendez. Makhachev, now weighing in at the 170-pound division, is set to defend his title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia. Mendez asserts that Makhachev is comfortable in this weight class and is unlikely to return to lightweight. Previously, Makhachev had expressed readiness to compete at middleweight but has since focused on welterweight contenders like Carlos Prates.
- •Makhachev gained 11 pounds of muscle since moving up to welterweight.
- •He defended the lightweight title four times before shifting divisions.
- •Makhachev defends his welterweight title against Ian Garry on August 15.
- •Coach Javier Mendez believes Makhachev will not return to lightweight.
- •Makhachev has previously mentioned the possibility of competing at middleweight.
- 5:08 AMYahoo Sports — Javier Mendez: Islam Makhachev has added 11 pounds of muscle, prefers welterweight
"Islam Makhachev is far more comfortable competing at welterweight and won’t move back down to 155 pounds.
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