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Highlights: UFC 322 fight week heats up with Islam Makhachev in the spotlight. The lightweight champion teases his mindset heading into Madison Square Garden. Fans are curious about what's next for Makhachev after this weekend. His recent interview offers a glimpse at his future beyond the octagon. The road to UFC 322 has been all business for Islam Makhachev—but that doesn't mean he's not having a little fun along the way. With fight week officially underway and the spotlight squarely on Madison Square Garden, the former lightweight champion is preparing to face Jack Della Maddalena in one of the most anticipated superfights of the year. Scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, in New York City, the card has all the makings of a blockbuster. But while Makhachev is chasing double-champ status, it seems that may be where his ambitions stop. In an interview shared by Championship Rounds via @WeighingIn, Makhachev was asked a question many fans have been curious about: could he one day move up again—this time to middleweight—for a shot at a third title? His answer left little room for speculation. '185 I'm gonna be fat. It's gonna be hard. It's not gonna be my weight, honestly,' Makhachev said with a laugh. That simple, self-aware comment struck a chord across social media. It was vintage Islam—humble, grounded, and sharp in his honesty. For all the talk about legacy and record-breaking runs, Makhachev's words reminded everyone that dominance has its limits, and not every champion needs to climb every mountain. As UFC 322 looms, the Dagestani powerhouse remains focused on the challenge directly in front of him: Jack Della Maddalena. A win on Saturday would make him a two-division champion and secure his place among the sport's elite. And if his latest comments are any indication, that might be the final line in one of MMA's most disciplined championship stories.
