The stakes were high at UFC 315 on Saturday, as the outcome of the main event influenced two weight divisions. Ilia Topuria, a former featherweight champion, learned who his next opponent would be, while lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's future became much clearer.
Jack Della Maddalena captured the welterweight championship by defeating Belal Muhammad through a unanimous decision. This victory not only solidified Della Maddalena’s status as the new welterweight champion, but also set the stage for future matchups involving Makhachev and Topuria. Had Muhammad won, Makhachev and Topuria would have faced off in a lightweight title bout at UFC 317. Instead, with Della Maddalena crowned champion, Makhachev is now expected to step up to the welterweight division for his next fight.
Following the UFC 315 title fight, Makhachev took to social media to express his ambitions. “Time to become a double champion,” he wrote on X, showcasing his enthusiasm for competing in a new weight class. His statement signals a transition for the lightweight champion, as he aims to capture titles in both divisions.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is now anticipated to clash with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a pivotal contender match. Topuria's rising profile in the UFC ensures that this bout will be critical for determining the future of the lightweight division.
Makhachev remains committed to his current title, making it clear he does not intend to vacate the lightweight championship. Prior to the main event, he stated, “This Saturday’s main event will define what my next move is. But regardless of the outcome of that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might get a real contender there!” This strong declaration emphasizes his dedication to maintaining his status as a lightweight champion while exploring new challenges in the welterweight class.
The outcome of UFC 315 reshaped the landscape of multiple weight classes, and the upcoming fights promise to be thrilling as the pieces fall into place. Fans can look forward to Della Maddalena's reign in the welterweight division and Topuria's confrontation with Oliveira. As for Makhachev, his goal of becoming a two-division champion not only garners interest but also sets the stage for potential high-stakes matchups in the future.
