Following the intense main event at UFC 315 in Montreal, Islam Makhachev’s next fight has finally taken shape. The event saw Jack Della Maddalena rise to the top, defeating Belal Muhammad in a grueling five-round battle to claim the welterweight title. This victory significantly impacted the landscape of multiple divisions, including lightweight, where Makhachev reigns.
UFC president Dana White had previously hinted that the outcome of this bout would influence Makhachev’s and Ilia Topuria’s next fights. With Muhammad—a teammate of Makhachev—losing, the pathway for the lightweight champ’s next challenge was laid out.
Makhachev Targets Welterweight Gold, Della Maddalena Seeks Revenge for Volkanovski Losses
Makhachev found himself in a conflicted situation ahead of UFC 315, as he had to support his teammate Belal Muhammad while knowing a win for Muhammad could block his ambition of moving up in weight. After Muhammad’s defeat, the path became clear for Makhachev to chase his goal of becoming a two-division champion.
Wasting no time, Makhachev declared on social media that he intends to fight the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and continue his pursuit of double gold in the UFC. His message was assertive and clear: “You are not Volkanovski, I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean.”
Although not teammates, Jack Della Maddalena and Alexander Volkanovski share a close friendship. This adds a personal layer to the newly announced fight, as Della Maddalena expressed his desire to defeat Makhachev in honor of Volkanovski, who suffered two losses to the Russian champion.
Makhachev’s warning post-fight indicates he sees Della Maddalena as a serious threat, but also as someone not yet on his level—a narrative likely to fuel the rivalry and fan anticipation for this matchup.
Makhachev Eyes Double UFC Gold, Della Maddalena Ready for Fierce Championship Battle
Islam Makhachev has made it clear that he intends to hold titles in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions simultaneously. Despite confirming his plan to fight for the welterweight belt, he emphasized that he would not vacate his 155lb title.
This sets up a high-stakes challenge where Makhachev will attempt to join the exclusive club of simultaneous double champions in UFC history. However, the timeline of the fight is still uncertain, though the opponent is now confirmed.
In the UFC 315 post-fight press conference, Della Maddalena welcomed the challenge from Makhachev with confidence and enthusiasm, responding simply, “Come and get it, come get it.” With both fighters motivated—Makhachev seeking history and Della Maddalena defending his newly acquired belt—a blockbuster clash is now on the horizon. The build-up promises to be intense, blending personal motivations, professional ambitions, and unresolved vendettas, particularly tied to Volkanovski’s past with Makhachev.
