Makhachev Set to Face Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November

UFC icon Dustin Poirier anticipates significant challenges for Islam Makhachev in returning to the lightweight division after his transition to welterweight.

Makhachev, celebrated as a top UFC competitor with a 12-0 winning streak, is scheduled to compete against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025.

Makhachev, a former UFC champion, defended his lightweight title for the fourth time against Renato Moicano at UFC 311 earlier in the year. He then relinquished his belt in May to advance to the welterweight class and challenge Maddalena.

Poirier shared his perspective on the Russian fighter’s future in the lightweight division, suggesting that gaining weight and then cutting back down to 155 pounds would be a considerable challenge.

“The outcome of his fight will influence his decision, but gaining weight isn’t straightforward—he’s already a substantial lightweight contender,” Poirier remarked to MMA Junkie regarding Makhachev.

“Having the liberty to bulk up, add muscle, and allow your body to naturally fill out, then reducing back to 155, will require a significant period. He’ll need to maintain a calorie deficit to shed the added muscle.”

Poirier also noted that Makhachev might find it too physically demanding to return to the lightweight division, as he is not a naturally small individual.

“I am certain that he already struggles to make 155, so it will be even more challenging now. He might be permanently done with lightweight. It could be excessively difficult for his body to cut back down and compete at that weight, especially since he’s not a small guy,” he concluded.