VIDEO: Scary Footage of Islam Makhachev Cutting Weight for His First Main Event at UFC Vegas 31 Revealed

Cutting weight is one of, if not the hardest part of fight week for most fighters. While the amount of weight to cut varies from fighter to fighter, having to drain your body of fluids and working out even in a state of depletion is something that is not easy for anyone. This was very evident in a recent clip of Islam Makhachev cutting weight for his five-round main event fight. 

The clip showed a depleted and bewildered Islam Makhachev being carried over to the scales by his teammates ahead of his weigh-ins. Makhachev, completely drained, was incapable of taking a few steps himself. Much like his mentor ‘The Eagle’, Islam has a tough time cutting weight and making the 155-pound limit. However, in his UFC career, Makhachev has yet to miss weight. 

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Can Islam Makhachev move to 8-0 with a win over Thiago Moises?

Makhachev is currently on a seven-fight win streak. In most cases, that would warrant a title shot. However, inactivity along with circumstances beyond his control have meant that Islam is still making his way to a title shot. 

The Russian fighter (ranked 9) takes on Thiago Moises (ranked 14) in his first five-round main event fight. This is not the step up Makhachev would have wanted, but it is an excellent opportunity to show why he thinks he is the best lightweight in the world. 

It is no secret that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege is primarily a wrestler. However, Makhachev is a much better striker than his mentor and has proven it time and time again. He has landed an impressive 2 significant strikes per minute in the UFC and absorbed just 0.77 in return. Moises, on the other hand, lands 2.47 significant strikes per minute and absorbs 3.2. 

Takedowns and takedown defense will play a key role in this fight as Moises will aim to keep the fight on the feet. On the other hand, Makhachev will aim to test Moises’ 57% takedown defense and take the fight to the ground. 

If Makhachev can secure a win, he will most definitely get a top-5 opponent in his next fight. All eyes will be on Makhachev to see how he copes with his first five-round main event.