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 dont know what to think about the pound-for-pound kings 170-pound transformation.
Makhachev, who hasnt 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. Makhachevs 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 cant eat cake).
During Fridays early weigh ins (replay HERE), Makhachev stepped on the scale and weighed in at exactly 170 pounds. He didnt 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 theres some cause for concern.
Check out Makhachevs early weigh in below along with some fan reactions and let us know what you think!
He doesnt look drained but he does look like hes 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.
Its scary, I thought he didnt need to cut much weight.
Bratha still look like shit on scale.
Hes not going back to 155.
Hes easily gonna hydrate to 190 lbs.
Walking pharmacy.
He looks awful. Like he just got into a fight.
WELTERWEIGHT SUPER FIGHT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., on Sat., Nov. 15, 2025, with a stacked ESPN+-streamed UFC 322 fight card. In UFC 322s main event, dominant Russian Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, aims for historic double-champ status by challenging Australian knockout specialist and reigning Welterweight kingpin, Jack Della Maddalena, in an explosive title bout that could redefine the 170-pound division. In UFC 322s co-headliner, womens Flyweight queenpin, Valentina Bullet Shevchenko, defends her throne against Strawweight powerhouse, Zhang Weili, whos also moving up for a shot at two-division glory in a Champion vs. Champion showdown packed with elite striking and grappling. All that and SO MUCH MORE!!!Dont miss a single second of face-punching action!
For more UFC 322: Jack Della vs. Islam Makhachev event-related news, video highlights and more click here.