What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Ben Vickers, coach of UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, has expressed strong opinions regarding Ilia Topuria's potential move to the 77 kg weight category. Vickers, speaking to Submission Radio, emphasized that Topuria, who is of similar height to Vickers, should remain in his current division. He described Topuria as a 'midget' compared to Maddalena, suggesting that moving up would be a poor decision. Maddalena is set to fight Islam Makhachev on November 16 in the United States. Maddalena's last fight was in May 2025 at UFC 315, where he defeated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision, bringing his record to 18 wins and two losses. Makhachev, on the other hand, last fought in January 2025 at UFC 311, defeating Renato Moicano by first-round submission, with a record of 27 wins and one loss.
Why It's Important?
The comments from Maddalena's coach highlight the strategic considerations fighters must weigh when deciding whether to change weight classes. Such decisions can significantly impact a fighter's career trajectory, affecting their competitiveness and marketability. For Topuria, staying in his current division might be crucial for maintaining his performance level and avoiding mismatches against larger opponents. This discussion also underscores the importance of physical attributes in combat sports, where size and reach can be decisive factors in a fight's outcome. The upcoming fight between Maddalena and Makhachev is significant for the UFC, as it features two high-profile fighters with impressive records, potentially influencing rankings and future matchups.
What's Next?
The UFC community will be closely watching the November 16 fight between Maddalena and Makhachev, as its outcome could influence future title shots and rankings within the welterweight division. Additionally, Topuria's decision regarding his weight class will be of interest, as it could affect his career path and potential matchups. Stakeholders, including coaches, promoters, and fans, will likely continue to debate the merits of weight class changes, considering both the risks and rewards involved.
Beyond the Headlines
The discourse around weight class changes in MMA touches on broader themes of athlete health and safety. Fighters often face pressure to cut weight, which can lead to health risks and impact performance. The conversation initiated by Vickers may prompt further examination of the practices surrounding weight management in combat sports, potentially leading to policy changes or increased support for fighters navigating these decisions.
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