Former UFC fighter Dan Hardy shared his thoughts on the potential transition of current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to the welterweight division.
In an interview with Submission Radio, Hardy was asked who he believed would be more successful competing at 170 pounds, Islam Makhachev or his predecessor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“Who would be more successful in welterweight, Islam or Khabib? I think it’s Islam. He looks a bit bigger than Khabib in lightweight. That’s why he will manage the transition to welterweight better. Moreover, Makhachev has improved his striking technique since his loss. Overall, Islam is a more versatile MMA fighter,” Hardy commented.
Hardy`s analysis highlights Makhachev`s perceived physical size advantage at lightweight and the significant improvements in his striking game, suggesting these factors would make him a more adaptable fighter for the welterweight ranks compared to Khabib.
