UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev shared a photo on social media alongside welterweight fighter Ramazan Kuramagomedov with a bold caption declaring "The welterweight division belongs to us." The post appears to show solidarity between the two Dagestani fighters and suggests confidence about their team's presence in the 170-pound weight class. Makhachev currently holds the lightweight title while Kuramagomedov competes at welterweight. The social media post drew reactions from fans, with many noting the strength of the Dagestani connection in the UFC. Neither fighter elaborated on specific plans or upcoming fights in the post. The message suggests a sense of dominance and team unity within their camp.
Islam Makhachev stirred up the welterweight division on April 23 without throwing a single punch, posting a photo alongside Ramazan Kuramagomedov on social media and captioning it with a blunt declaration that the 170-pound weight class belongs to their Dagestani camp.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and holds the welterweight title, operating out of Eagles MMA in Russia. Standing five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach, the southpaw is one of the most complete fighters in the sport, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. His submission threat adds another layer, with 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes underscoring the all-around danger he presents at any weight class.
Kuramagomedov, the unbeaten welterweight featured alongside him in the post, brings a perfect 8-0-0 record into the division at just 29 years old. The six-foot-one orthodox fighter out of American Top Team carries a 73-inch reach and has shown explosive striking in his UFC appearances, landing an eye-catching 11.67 significant strikes per minute at 67 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Makhachev flagging the welterweight division signals potential long-term ambitions beyond lightweight for the reigning champion
- Kuramagomedov's unbeaten record and high-volume striking make him a legitimate threat to established 170-pound contenders
- The Dagestani connection in the UFC continues to grow, with this post reinforcing a sense of coordinated team presence across multiple divisions
- Neither fighter announced a specific fight or timeline, leaving the post as a statement of intent rather than a confirmed plan
