Former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson believes that Islam Makhachev could face significant challenges if he moves up to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Amid speculation about Makhachev’s potential move to welterweight, Thompson shared his thoughts on how the lightweight champion might fare against the division’s larger fighters.
“When you’re going up to the welterweight division, those are some big boys,” Thompson told Sumbission Radio. “I know Makhachev walks around fairly heavy, but a lot of these 170s, they walk around real heavy. I’m talking about, you know, over 205, 210, the 215. Some of the guys that I face would walk around at that weight.”
Thompson believes Makhachev’s grappling skills are elite enough to potentially succeed, but the size and strength difference could prove problematic.
“I think he’s going to have a tough time. Now, do I think he could get it done? Yes. I think he’s that good of a grappler, but JDM has faced some of the best welterweight grapplers and wrestlers in the division, with Belal being one of them,” Thompson explained.
The veteran striker, known for his karate-based style, was impressed with Della Maddalena’s recent title-winning performance against Belal Muhammad, particularly highlighting the Australian’s boxing skills and takedown defense.
“I would like to see Islam fight [JDM]. That’s just me. I would love to see that fight happen,” Thompson added.
Thompson also suggested that if Makhachev moves up, he should be allowed to retain his lightweight belt, noting: “What Islam has done in the 155 division, I don’t see why not. Let him hang on to it.”
When asked about how Makhachev might fare against other top welterweight contenders like Shafkat Rakhmonov, Sean Brady, or Ian Garry, Thompson actually sees some potential advantages for the Russian.
“I think he would do fairly well, especially if he’s fighting other grapplers. I think that’s right up his alley,” Thompson said. “The thing is that Islamachev won’t have to do the heavy weight cut. So, I think you’ll see a better Islamachev. The weight cut takes a lot out of you. And I know he kills himself to get down to 155 and he won’t have that at the 170 division.”
