Ranked number one pound-for-pound, Islam Makhachev seeks his second belt in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg) in a duel with Jack Della Maddalena . However, the Russian has spent the last few years of his career dominating the UFC's most populous division and adding hugely valuable names to his record. Among so many former opponents, the fighter highlighted two in particular.
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For the Dagestani, Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier were worthy opponents, deserving to spend some time in their homeland, the Republic of Dagestan.
“Of all my opponents, I respect Volk and Dustin the most. I want to invite them to my country because they have many people here who support and love them,” he said in an interview with the website ' MMA Junkie ' last Wednesday (25).
Islam Makhachev expressed his admiration for two of his former opponents, saying, “Of all my opponents, I respect Volk and Dustin the most. I want to invite them to my country because they have a lot of people here who support and love them.”
(via @MMAJunkie ) @MAKHACHEVMMA … pic.twitter.com/Ybq0PSDrCo
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 26, 2025
Makhachev beat Volkanovski and Poirier
Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC
The Russian's reign in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) began with a unanimous decision victory against Alexander Volkanovski in Australia. The two faced each other again at UFC 294 , with another successful title defense, this time by technical knockout in the first round.
Islam fought an intense duel against Poirier in June last year. After four rounds of war, the athlete emerged victorious once again with a triangle choke in the last round.
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