Islam Makhachev has once again reminded fight fans of the power that has made him one of the most feared competitors in mixed martial arts. A short clip circulating on social media this week showed the former lightweight champion delivering a devastating straight left hand to the body of a sparring partner, instantly folding him to the canvas. The footage, first shared by Red Corner MMA on X, quickly spread across the combat sports community, sparking reactions about both the brutality and precision of the strike.
In the video, Makhachev calmly measured his distance before stepping in and planting the shot directly into his partner’s solar plexus. The impact was immediate. The sparring partner doubled over in pain and crumpled to the floor, a vivid reminder of the damage Makhachev is capable of even outside the Octagon. The Dagestani superstar later shared the clip on his Instagram story with a brief but telling caption: “The man came to the training camp unprepared and is now suffering.” It was a blunt assessment from a fighter who has long held the reputation of pushing those around him to their limits in training.
For Makhachev, the viral moment is more than just another highlight to add to his growing collection. It comes at a time when speculation surrounding his return to competition is beginning to intensify. Earlier this year, the 33-year-old made the difficult decision to vacate his lightweight crown, ending his run as champion at 155 pounds. Rather than seeing it as a setback, however, Makhachev has framed the move as an opportunity to cement his legacy by chasing greatness in a new division.
His sights are now firmly set on welterweight, where Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena recently claimed the vacant 170-pound title. While no official announcements have been made by the UFC, rumors strongly suggest that Makhachev will challenge Maddalena later this year. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s longtime mentor and close friend, has already hinted that the clash could headline the organization’s traditional November card at Madison Square Garden in New York City. If true, the matchup would instantly become one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, with the possibility of history being made.
Makhachev’s body of work in the Octagon speaks for itself. Since debuting in 2015, he has compiled an impressive 16–1 record under the UFC banner. Along the way, he has dispatched some of the sport’s most accomplished fighters. His submission victory over Charles Oliveira in October 2022 earned him the lightweight championship, which he went on to defend against pound-for-pound rival Alexander Volkanovski the following year. Prior to that, he had already showcased his dominance with wins over seasoned contenders such as Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, each fight reinforcing his reputation as a complete martial artist capable of winning in any area of the game.
Known for his suffocating grappling, relentless pressure, and an ever-improving striking arsenal, Makhachev has followed the path laid out by Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated after becoming one of the most iconic champions in MMA history. Yet while Khabib dominated primarily with his wrestling and ground control, Makhachev has carved out his own style, blending the trademark Dagestani grappling with crisp striking that has made him increasingly dangerous on the feet. The viral training clip is a testament to the work he has put into refining his stand-up, proving that he is more than capable of finishing fights with his fists as well as his submissions.
For Jack Della Maddalena, the prospect of facing Makhachev is both an enormous opportunity and a daunting challenge. The Australian striker has quickly risen through the welterweight ranks with a series of thrilling performances, showcasing sharp boxing and knockout power. Winning the vacant title cemented his status as one of the brightest new stars in the UFC. However, the oddsmakers have already installed Makhachev as a 2-to-1 favorite in the potential matchup, reflecting the respect he commands and the widespread belief that his skill set will translate effectively to a higher weight class.
Should Makhachev succeed in dethroning Maddalena, he would join a very exclusive club of fighters to capture championships in two separate divisions. That list includes names like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo—athletes who are remembered as some of the greatest to ever step inside the cage. The chance to add his name to that group is the type of challenge Makhachev has openly embraced, viewing it as the next step in a career defined by discipline, consistency, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Until the fight is officially confirmed, fans will continue to watch clips like the one released this week and speculate on how Makhachev’s power and technique will translate against elite welterweight competition. For now, the Dagestani destroyer seems focused, confident, and as dangerous as ever. Whether in the gym or under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Islam Makhachev has once again shown why he remains one of the most compelling figures in combat sports today.
