Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Warning: Why Islam Makhachev Could Face His Toughest Test Yet at Welterweight

When Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks, the world of mixed martial arts listens. The undefeated legend, who once ruled the UFC lightweight division with an iron grip, has always carried a voice of authority and respect. Recently, Khabib gave his thoughts on the future of his protégé, Islam Makhachev, who is preparing to make the transition from lightweight to the welterweight division (170 lbs). In Khabib’s own words, there are only a few truly dangerous opponents for Makhachev at this new weight, but among them, one name stands out above all others: Shavkat Rakhmonov. According to Khabib, Rakhmonov is not just a threat—he could be the most dangerous opponent Makhachev will ever face, thanks to his terrifying blend of striking, wrestling, and finishing instincts.

This bold statement from the Dagestani icon opens the door to a much larger conversation. What makes Shavkat Rakhmonov such a unique and frightening challenge? Why does Khabib dismiss fighters like Ian Garry and Sean Brady, while still showing respect to Belal Muhammad? And most importantly, what lies ahead for Islam Makhachev if he succeeds in becoming a two-division UFC champion? This article dives deep into the analysis, breaking down each potential rival and the immense risks that await Makhachev as he chases greatness at welterweight.

The Context: Islam Makhachev’s Transition to Welterweight

Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in recent UFC history, has conquered the lightweight division. With back-to-back victories over Alexander Volkanovski and his stronghold on the 155-pound belt, many fans and analysts believe he has cleaned out the division. The natural next step, as many great champions before him have done, is to move up a weight class in search of new challenges. For Makhachev, this means entering the shark-infested waters of the UFC welterweight division.

But moving from lightweight to welterweight is not just a question of adding pounds. Fighters at 170 lbs are not only stronger but also naturally larger, with longer reach, more explosive power, and wrestling bases that can nullify lightweight advantages. Khabib knows this firsthand, as he himself never attempted to move up in weight during his career, preferring to stay dominant in one division. That’s why his analysis of Makhachev’s future opponents carries such weight: he understands the razor-thin margins between dominance and vulnerability at this level.

Shavkat Rakhmonov – The Nightmare Matchup

According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the most terrifying name in the welterweight division for Islam Makhachev is Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh warrior who has taken the UFC by storm. Rakhmonov’s record speaks volumes: 19 wins, 0 losses, with 18 finishes. Whether it’s striking, submissions, or grinding pressure, Rakhmonov has proven that he can end fights in any fashion. His ability to mix up his offense makes him one of the most complete and unpredictable fighters in the UFC today.

What makes Rakhmonov such a dangerous opponent for Islam Makhachev is not just his finishing rate, but his composure under pressure. Like Makhachev, Rakhmonov thrives in transitions, seamlessly blending his stand-up striking with takedowns and submission attempts. He’s long, rangy, and powerful—qualities that could give Makhachev serious problems, especially when size and strength are already disadvantages for someone moving up from lightweight.

Khabib’s acknowledgment of Rakhmonov as the “scariest” name is significant. Coming from a man who has seen and faced the best, calling Rakhmonov the most dangerous test speaks volumes about the respect the Dagestanis have for the Kazakh fighter’s skill set. If this fight ever happens, it will not only be one of the biggest bouts in UFC history but also a stylistic clash that could define an era.

Belal Muhammad – The Respected Ally Turned Rival

While Rakhmonov stands out as the ultimate challenge, Belal Muhammad is another name that Khabib highlights as a potential threat to Islam Makhachev. Interestingly, Belal is not just another contender—he has trained with Khabib and the Dagestani team in the past, sharing countless rounds on the mats. This familiarity makes him a unique rival, because unlike others, he understands the rhythm, pressure, and strategy of the Dagestani style.

Khabib describes Belal Muhammad as someone with strong fundamentals, discipline, and a well-rounded game. Belal may not be flashy like Rakhmonov, but he is consistent, durable, and extremely difficult to finish. For Makhachev, facing Belal would mean dealing with an opponent who knows what to expect and will not be easily broken. Although they are friends and former training partners, MMA history is full of stories where allies became rivals in pursuit of championship glory. If Makhachev and Belal were to meet inside the Octagon, it could be a respectful yet highly competitive battle.

Ian Garry and Sean Brady – The Lesser Threats

On the other hand, Khabib Nurmagomedov downplays the danger posed by two other rising welterweights: Ian Garry and Sean Brady. Garry, an Irish fighter often compared to Conor McGregor for his outspoken personality and growing fanbase, is certainly talented, but in Khabib’s eyes, his style is too “convenient.” By this, Khabib suggests that Garry’s strengths can be easily neutralized by someone like Makhachev, who can outstrike him with fundamentals or drag him into the deep waters of wrestling and grappling.

As for Sean Brady, Khabib’s assessment is even more dismissive. Despite Brady being ranked in the top three at welterweight, Khabib points out that his inactivity and lack of high-level wins make him an unproven commodity. Without a solid track record against elite fighters, Brady doesn’t register as a serious threat in Khabib’s evaluation. For Islam, these names might serve as stepping stones rather than true obstacles in his welterweight campaign.

The Bigger Picture: Islam Makhachev’s Risky Journey

The transition of Islam Makhachev to welterweight is not just about individual matchups—it’s about the bigger picture of his career. If he succeeds in claiming the welterweight belt, he will join the ranks of the rare few UFC fighters who have held titles in two divisions. However, this success comes with enormous risks. By moving up, Makhachev becomes the hunted, not the hunter. Every welterweight will be eager to test themselves against him, and the division is stacked with big names waiting to make a statement.

Beyond Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad, there are other looming threats that Khabib does not even mention but that the MMA world is buzzing about. Fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria could eventually move into the welterweight division, creating dream matchups that fans and promoters alike would salivate over. A clash between Makhachev and Chimaev, for instance, would not just be a fight—it would be a global event.

Conclusion: Khabib’s Prophecy for Islam Makhachev

At the heart of this discussion is the respect and concern that Khabib Nurmagomedov has for his protégé. He believes that Islam Makhachev is capable of greatness, but he also knows the dangers that lie ahead at welterweight. By highlighting Shavkat Rakhmonov as the most dangerous opponent, acknowledging Belal Muhammad as a serious challenge, and dismissing others like Ian Garry and Sean Brady, Khabib is essentially laying out a roadmap for Makhachev’s next chapter.

For fans, this is a thrilling prospect. We are witnessing the potential rise of a two-division champion, a fighter who could cement his legacy alongside legends like Georges St-Pierre and Daniel Cormier. But with great ambition comes great risk. If Khabib is right, the battles awaiting Makhachev at 170 lbs could be the toughest and most defining moments of his career.