Islam Makhachev will make his long-awaited welterweight debut tomorrow night (Sat., Nov. 15, 2025) at UFC 322 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, and fight fans really don’t know what to think about the pound-for-pound king’s 170-pound transformation.
Makhachev, who hasn’t lost since a fluke knockout defeat back in 2015, has always been a big fighter at 155 pounds. The former UFC lightweight champion had to endure difficult weight cuts on more than
one occasion, making his jump to welterweight an easier decision. Makhachev’s move up was triggered by his desire to take his MMA legacy to a new level, but an easier weight cut never hurts (although Makhachev still can’t eat cake).
During Friday’s early weigh ins (replay HERE), Makhachev stepped on the scale and weighed in at exactly 170 pounds. He didn’t look overly depleted like he typically does when competing at 155 pounds, but fans still had mixed reactions nonetheless. Some thought Makhachev looked good while others believe there’s some cause for concern.
Check out Makhachev’s early weigh in below along with some fan reactions and let us know what you think!
“He doesn’t look drained but he does look like he’s coming in with a nose injury that is making him look drained.”
“Bro looks terrible.”
“How does he look more drained at 170?”
“He looks a lot better at that weight.”
“Skinny.”
“Getting light enough to float.”
“It’s scary, I thought he didn’t need to cut much weight.”
“Bratha still look like shit on scale.”
“He’s not going back to 155.”
“He’s easily gonna hydrate to 190 lbs.”
“Walking pharmacy.”
“He looks awful. Like he just got into a fight.”
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