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Khabib Nurmagomedov only sees a handful of serious threats for Islam Makhachev at 170 pounds. | Getty/UFC
Khabib Nurmagomedov considers three opponents to be a potential threat to Islam Makhachev at 170 pounds.
Makhachev recently vacated his UFC lightweight title after compiling the highest number of defenses in the division’s history. Makhachev has moved up to welterweight, where he awaits a title shot against Jack Della Maddalena. Before considering future opponents, Nurmagomedov acknowledges Maddalena as a serious threat to Makhachev. “The Eagle” notes that the Australian champ has passed every tough test in the UFC, leaving behind top-notch wrestlers and strikers in his wake. The former lightweight champ also mentions that Maddalena is training with Alexander Volkanovski, who gave Makhachev one of the toughest challenges of his career in their first encounter.
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“I have been following Maddalena for a long time,” Nurmagomedov told Kamil Gadzhiyev. “He’s a very interesting fighter… Judging by his skills, his technique, his striking and the way he defends against wrestlers… He’s fought wrestlers, strikers and physically strong guys. He’s passed every test — 9-0 UFC champion. And he trains with the same team that prepared Volkanovski for Islam. Putting all that together, I see a very dangerous opponent.”
Nurmagomedov Doesn’t See Garry, Brady as Difficult Matchups
If Makhachev gets past Maddalena, Nurmagomedov considers Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad to be tough potential matchups. However, Makhachev is close to Muhammad and stalled his welterweight move before “Remember the Name” was dethroned by Maddalena. Nurmagomedov doesn’t see rising contenders Ian Garry and Sean Brady posing a threat to Makhachev.
“In the welterweight division, I see Shavkat as someone who commands respect and brings real risk,” Nurmagomedov said. “Shavkat, Belal. Ian Garry, I wouldn’t consider him such a serious threat… I don’t see Sean Brady as a big threat. Stylistically, he’s too convenient for Islam. Islam would outstrike him, and if they grappled, Islam would control him… Shavkat, Belal and Maddalena.”
Maddalena has put together an 18-fight winning streak since dropping his first two pro outings in 2016. Meanwhile, Muhammad was unbeaten in 11 straight UFC outings before losing to Maddalena. Undefeated Kazakh contender Rakhmonov, with seven UFC wins, was originally expected to challenge Muhammad for the title but couldn’t accept the matchup due to an injury, leaving the door open for Maddalena.
Khabib breaks down the welterweight division ahead of Islam’s 170 debut:
“In the welterweight division, I see Shavkat as someone who commands respect and brings real risk. Shavkat, Belal.
Ian Garry, I wouldn’t consider him such a serious threat… I don’t see Sean Brady as a… pic.twitter.com/uwGYRzBjYr
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 26, 2025
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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