Get ready to witness history in the making as Islam Makhachev steps into the welterweight division, leaving fans and critics alike buzzing with anticipation. UFC 322, happening this weekend, is set to deliver not one but two monumental world title fights that could reshape the MMA landscape. But here's where it gets controversial: Makhachev, the former pound-for-pound king and lightweight champion, has relinquished his 155-pound throne to chase a new dream—becoming a two-division champion at 170 pounds. Is this a bold move or a risky gamble? You decide.
In the main event, Makhachev faces welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in a clash that has the MMA world on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, in the co-headliner, Zhang Weili aims to secure her second belt against flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko. But let’s focus on Makhachev—his transition to welterweight has been the talk of the town, and for good reason. At 27-1, the UFC superstar is experimenting with creatine for the first time in his career, and the results are nothing short of jaw-dropping. His physique has never looked better, leaving fans in awe and sparking debates about the role of supplements in elite performance.
And this is the part most people miss: Makhachev’s transformation isn’t just about aesthetics. Creatine, a natural compound derived from amino acids, is renowned for boosting muscle growth and energy levels—crucial for someone stepping into a new weight class. Makhachev himself admits, ‘I finally become a little bit big now,’ crediting creatine and protein as his post-training staples. But it’s not all smooth sailing. ‘It’s very hard when you train twice a day,’ he shared with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto. ‘When you’re training hard, it’s very hard to gain weight.’ Yet, creatine seems to be the game-changer, helping him recover faster, pack on muscle, and unleash newfound power.
Just days before the fight, Makhachev’s teammate and PFL Champion Usman Nurmagomedov shared a gym video on Instagram, showcasing Makhachev’s impressive build. Fans couldn’t help but react: ‘He’s thicker than JDM,’ one commented, while another quipped, ‘Good old creatine.’ But here’s the real question: Is Makhachev’s reliance on creatine a sign of innovation or desperation? As he prepares to face Della Maddalena, the MMA community is divided. Some applaud his willingness to adapt, while others wonder if this move could backfire. What do you think? Is creatine the secret weapon Makhachev needs to dominate welterweight, or is he playing with fire? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
