Mendez Says Makhachev Added 11 Pounds Of Muscle

Islam Makhachev has packed on 11 pounds of muscle since capturing the UFC welterweight title and will not return to lightweight, his coach Javier Mendez told Alvaro Colmenero.

The reigning 170-pound champion defends his strap against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena last year after four defences of the lightweight belt and appears to have settled at welterweight permanently.

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Makhachev Committed To Welterweight

Mendez said the Russian has transformed his frame since the move up. "He's gained five kilos of muscle and feels better at welterweight," Mendez said, per Colmenero. "He prefers this weight class. I don't think he'll ever fight at lightweight."

Makhachev floated competing at middleweight when Dricus Du Plessis held that title, claiming he would accept a fight offer at 185 pounds. He has not mentioned that division since moving to welterweight, instead highlighting contenders like Carlos Prates in the 170-pound ranks.

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Garry enters UFC 330 with a 17-1 record. First-bell coverage begins at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday evening.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Javier Mendez: Islam Makhachev has added 11 pounds of muscle, prefers welterweight