Makhachev trains in the Rocky Balboa style. (Photo: Press Release/X/Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Islam makhachev It doesn't stop. The Russian, who won the welterweight belt in UFC 322, on the 15th, he already returned to training. In a video released this Friday (28), on X, formerly Twitter, Islam makhachev He appeared running down the road alongside his training partner. Tagir UlanbekovThe two Dagestanis train at Eagles MMA.
Islam and Ulanbekov appear in the video running outdoors, reminiscent of the classic "Rocky Balboa" films starring Sylvester Stallone in his morning runs as he prepares for his boxing challenges.
Islam makhachev and Tagir Ulanbekov are back to training ♂️ pic.twitter.com/2M7GGzQb5a
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 28, 2025
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Back in training, Makhachev received a warm welcome. Upon reuniting with the champion at the gym, Kasum Kasumov had his moment of banter, throwing a little jab at the athletes.
"Now that you've shown up, everyone's going to be in the right mood. We're going to have insane training sessions, good fights... there's going to be sparks!", said Kasumov.
Islam makhachev returns to the gym to a warm welcome, with Kasum Kasumov teasing that everyone will be eager to show their skills and turn the sessions into some lively scraps
“Now you've shown up, everyone's going to be in the right mood. We're going to have great scraps…… pic.twitter.com/IHlTDCIh8S
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 28, 2025
Hungry opponents and a Brazilian hot on Makhachev's heels.
Current welterweight champion (up to 77 kg), Islam makhachev You already know: if you want to reign in this category for a long time, you'll have to face some tough opponents.
The division is experiencing a phase rich in talent, and among the top six in the rankings, the Russian has a mix of explosive youth and ample experience pointing directly towards his belt.
The title came in UFC 322, where Makhachev surpassed Jack Della MaddalenaThe Australian, now number one in the division, remains firmly in the elite and has already stated that he hasn't left the game.
Currently ranked number two, the Irishman Ian Machado Garry He's at the peak of his career, having earned it with two important wins in a row. He beat... Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad |.
With third place, nobody can ignore it. Shavkat RakhmonovUndefeated with 19 wins, 18 of them by stoppage, the Kazakh fighter has eight knockouts and 10 submissions on his record.
Promise of the new generation, MichaelMorales He rose to fourth place. At just 26 years old and undefeated in his 19 professional fights, the Ecuadorian has shown a well-rounded game combining technique and power.
Rounding out the Top Five, Belal Muhammad | He tries to find his way back after a tough year, but the Palestinian remains that annoying veteran, experienced, resilient, and dangerous in the details.
Finally, in sixth place, Brazil enters the scene with Carlos. Prates has become a fan favorite through his own merit. He has had seven fights in the UFC, with six wins, six knockouts, and six Performance of the Night bonuses. "The Nightmare" is rising, waiting for his chance, preparing for whoever is in front of him.
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