According to the current welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev is “almost certain” to challenge for the welterweight world title later this year.
Jack Della Maddalena recently secured the welterweight belt by defeating Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 315 in Montreal. Following this victory, Makhachev, who had previously invited callouts from the winner, vacated his lightweight championship, clearly indicating his ambition to seek gold in the 170lb division.
Now, Della Maddalena, the Australian champion, appears to have confirmed that his first title defense will indeed be against the former lightweight king. Makhachev holds records for the most lightweight title defenses and is now moving up a weight class aiming to make further history.
Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena Confirms Makhachev as Likely Next Opponent
During a recent appearance on the Back Chat Studios podcast, Jack Della Maddalena was questioned about his upcoming plans as the UFC`s welterweight champion. While unable to provide a specific date, he expressed considerable confidence that Islam Makhachev would be his next opponent, viewing the potential matchup as an exciting challenge.
“It’s going to be Makhachev, I’m almost certain which is good because I can get it back for Volk,” he stated when asked about his next fight, referencing Alexander Volkanovski`s previous attempts to defeat the Russian.
He elaborated, “Don’t know where at this point, but it will be unreal… I don’t know when it will be but I think Islam is the match and that’s what they [the UFC] want to do. He had a good run at lightweight, he’s keen to try and capture a second belt so that’s the fight they’re keen to make.” Regarding the fight`s location, he added, “Where it will happen, I’m not sure. The UFC are coming here [Perth] but I think it’s just going to be a fight night. I don’t know where they’ll go with that but we’ll see what happens.”
Makhachev Vacates Lightweight Title Ahead of Potential Welterweight Bid
Although not initially guaranteed, the outcome of the Della Maddalena vs. Muhammad clash ultimately impacted the landscape of the lightweight division. Ilia Topuria, the featherweight champion, had reportedly considered moving up to challenge Makhachev. However, Makhachev felt that after successfully defending his belt against top contenders, including two bouts against Alexander Volkanovski, he was ready to move up himself.
As a result, the lightweight title was vacated. Ilia Topuria will now face former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 317 during International Fight Week.
UFC President Dana White confirmed these plans earlier this month during an Instagram live stream. He announced, “Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is going to move up to the welterweight division to face Jack Della Maddalena.” White highlighted the competitiveness of the planned fight, noting the odds are much closer for Makhachev against Della Maddalena compared to what they would have been against Belal Muhammad. He concluded, “This guy is a beast, this fight is the f—ing best. Jack is coming off a bunch of damage in that fight so he’s accepted the fight I’ll let you guys know when I pick a time and date but that fight is definitely happening.”
Jack Thornley