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

Islam Makhachev, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion, has decided to stay at the welterweight division. Makhachev, who has defended the lightweight title four times, recently announced his preference for the 170-pound class. He will defend his title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Javier Mendez, Makhachev's coach, is convinced that his fighter will not return to the lightweight division. Mendez revealed that Islam Makhachev has gained 11 pounds of muscle since transitioning to welterweight and feels more comfortable in this weight class. "He's gained five kilos of muscle and feels better at welterweight," Mendez stated to Alvaro Colmenero. "He prefers this weight class. I don't think he'll ever fight at lightweight."

Interestingly, Makhachev has previously expressed interest in fighting at middleweight, suggesting that he could potentially compete against fighters like Carlos Prates. However, since moving up to welterweight, there has been no mention of middleweight fights from the Russian champion.