Shedding pounds has consistently posed significant obstacles for UFC professionals, which has been a focal point for avid followers of the franchise. Recently, it’s been noted that these fighters have been packing on substantial weight post-weigh-ins, with a development seeing many adding anywhere from 20 to 25 pounds as they enter the ring. UFC 311 was no exception to this growing trend, with many athletes flashing significant weight increases. Prominently, Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano, both contenders in the lightweight category, were observed scaling up to welterweight dimensions on the evening of the fight.
UFC 311 was an event that exceeded all expectations, offering performances of the highest caliber and riveting finales that left spectators spellbound. The information uncloaked drastic weight increases for a number of fighters post-weigh-in. Islam Makhachev, tipping the scale at 155 lbs at the weigh-in checkpoint, entered the arena at a striking 178 lbs. His counterpart, Renato Moicano, struck a match with Makhachev’s measurements, also weighing 155 lbs at the weigh-in but raising the bar to an awe-inspiring 181.8 lbs for the fight.
There were others that followed suit. Merab Dvalishvili took the scale at 135 lbs at the weigh-ins but soared to 156.8 lbs on the day of the match. This was in sync with Umar Nurmagomedov’s trajectory, who initially weighed 135 lbs before adding 21.8 lbs.
The light heavyweight category was not lacking in this trend. Jamahal Hill, who clocked in at 205 lbs during the weigh-ins, faced off in the ring at an imposing 221.8 lbs. Jiri Prochazka’s increase was not as substantial, although he still exhibited a gain, moving up from 205 lbs to 208.2 lbs.
Prominent lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has made his aspirations clear—his intent to notch up double championship status, setting the welterweight title firmly in his crosshairs, is no modest ambition. Regardless of the title currently being held by teammate Belal Muhammad, Makhachev remains unwavering in his endeavor.
While discussing his ambition, Makhachev expressed his dream of securing champion status across two divisions and noted that the route to achieving this dream will be charted in conversations with their mutual manager, Ali Abdelaziz. He acknowledged the current situation, with Belal poised to defend his title, but emphasized the shared management under Ali.
Makhachev went on to share: ‘This is my dream, and we need to discuss the way forward with Belal because we share our manager, Ali.’ The lightweight champion was candid about his intent, expressing undeterred aspirations to take home a second belt before finally stepping out of the sport.
The concept of dual champion status is a dominant force in the mind of the current lightweight titleholder. He has openly declared his yearning to retire only after he has secured a second title. Adding another layer of complexity to this desire is the current circumstances—his teammate, Belal Muhammad, currently holds the welterweight title he covets.
In the end, if Muhammad manages to maintain his title in the welterweight division, Makhachev might potentially face a quandary. To see his dream of attaining a dual championship status come true, he may have to face off against a fellow teammate, adding a significant element of intrigue to the unfolding scenario.