Islam Makhachev posted a photo on social media with Ramazan Kuramagomedov, accompanied by the caption "The welterweight division belongs to us." The post suggests a strong connection between the two fighters and confidence in their dominance at welterweight. No specific context about upcoming fights or training was provided. The post was described as a "powerful duo" by the channel sharing it.
Islam Makhachev took to social media on April 23 to post a photo alongside undefeated welterweight prospect Ramazan Kuramagomedov, captioning the image with a bold declaration that the welterweight division belongs to the pair of them.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion and the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, carrying a 28-1 record into 2026. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and has built his reputation on suffocating grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking efficiency is equally notable, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
Kuramagomedov, also Russian, enters the picture as one of the most eye-catching unbeaten fighters in the division. The 29-year-old orthodox striker trains out of American Top Team, stands six-foot-one with a 73-inch reach, and carries a perfect 8-0 record. His numbers inside the cage are striking in the most literal sense — he lands 11.67 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 67 percent accuracy rate, among the highest output figures at 170 pounds.
Why it matters
- Makhachev flagging Kuramagomedov publicly adds visibility to an unbeaten contender who could soon be a title-picture name at welterweight
- The pairing of a reigning champion and a high-output prospect from the same national background signals a growing Russian presence at 170 pounds
- Kuramagomedov's elite striking accuracy and Makhachev's championship pedigree make this a duo the division will be watching closely
