Islam Makhachev is ready to make his next move after tonight’s UFC 315 title fight in Canada. As the reigning lightweight champion, Makhachev has been in discussions about defending his title against Ilia Topuria at the upcoming UFC 317 event next month. This matchup has generated considerable buzz due to the rivalry between the two fighters.
While the official paperwork for the fight with Topuria hasn’t been signed, Makhachev’s future was expected to become clearer following UFC 315. He accompanied his close friend and training partner, Belal Muhammad, who faced Jack Della Maddalena in an important welterweight title bout.
Before the fight, UFC CEO Dana White mentioned that Makhachev could look to capture the welterweight title if Muhammad lost. In a dramatic turn of events, Della Maddalena won the title with a commanding unanimous decision against Muhammad. This outcome has opened the door for Makhachev to challenge Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship.
Immediately after Della Maddalena's victory, Makhachev shared his ambitions on social media. He tweeted, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah Let’s go,” expressing his intention to claim a title in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
Although Della Maddalena has not officially responded to a potential fight with Makhachev, he previously indicated he would welcome the challenge soon. In an interview with MMA Junkie, he said, “If Islam (Makhachev) after the fight says he wants to step up, I would happily give him the shot. Hopefully, we can do it soon. I think they’ve got a card in Australia coming up.” This suggests a possibility of their matchup happening as soon as September, potentially during an event in Australia.
The excitement surrounding this potential fight is palpable, as both fighters have strong followings. Makhachev’s history as a lightweight champion and Della Maddalena’s recent success at welterweight contribute to the intrigue of the matchup. Fans are eager to see if Makhachev can secure victory in a different weight class and become a two-weight champion.
As the MMA landscape evolves, matchups like these highlight the dynamic nature of the sport. With champions shifting between divisions and fighters calling each other out, the excitement for future fights never fades. Keep an eye on UFC 317 to see how Makhachev’s plans unfold and whether he can secure a shot at Della Maddalena’s welterweight title.
The combat sports community is buzzing with anticipation for what comes next. Will Makhachev transition into a new division effectively? Can Della Maddalena defend his title against one of the top fighters in the sport? All eyes will be on these two athletes as they navigate their careers and the potential for an epic showdown inside the Octagon.
