UFC Welterweight and Analyst Stephen Thompson’s Take on Potential Title Fight
Stephen Thompson Weighs in on Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
As the speculation grows around Islam Makhachev’s future as a UFC welterweight champion, opinions are divided. One skeptic is former title challenger Stephen Thompson.
Thompson, known for his expertise at 170 pounds, believes that Makhachev’s path to a championship in the higher weight class is not guaranteed. Despite Makhachev’s reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, Thompson highlights the challenge of facing larger opponents in the welterweight division, particularly the current champion Jack Della Maddalena.
“I don’t know, man,” Thompson shared in an interview with Submission Radio. “When you go up to the welterweight division, those are just some big boys. I know Islam Makhachev walks around heavy, but a lot of these 170’s walk around real heavy.”
Thompson acknowledges Makhachev’s grappling skills but emphasizes the physical differences in the welterweight division that could pose a challenge for the Russian fighter. He sees Della Maddalena as a formidable opponent who has proven himself against top grapplers in the division.
Makhachev’s prospects for a welterweight title shot received a significant boost after Della Maddalena’s victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. With the championship now in Della Maddalena’s hands, the possibility of a showdown with Makhachev looms large.
Thompson sees Makhachev’s potential move to 170 pounds as a significant development for the sport. However, he also expresses a preference for Makhachev defending his belt at 155 pounds against Ilia Topuria, who recently moved up from the featherweight division.