Islam Makhachev wasted no time issuing a strong challenge to the newly crowned welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, immediately following his impressive victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
The reigning UFC lightweight king understood that Saturday night`s outcome would directly influence his next career move. Della Maddalena`s championship win effectively cleared the path for Makhachev to aim for the 170-pound title. A prior close relationship with Muhammad had complicated such a move, but with Della Maddalena now holding the belt, Makhachev appears eager to take on this challenge.
“Time to become a double champion,” Makhachev posted on Twitter after UFC 315 concluded. “Let’s go.”
Makhachev also sent a direct message to the new champion. This came after Della Maddalena had addressed him inside the Octagon, stating he would welcome the fight and wanted to seek revenge for his friend, Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski had, of course, fought Makhachev on two occasions, losing both times. Their second encounter famously ended with the Russian securing a devastating head kick knockout.
“You are not Volk,” Makhachev told Della Maddalena. “I will show you a different level. Keep my belt clean.”
For his part, Della Maddalena reiterated his willingness to face Makhachev in the welterweight division if the UFC decides that is the fight to make.
Regarding Makhachev`s instruction to “keep my belt clean,” Della Maddalena responded with a smirk.
“Come get it,” Della Maddalena replied. “I think there are a lot of good welterweights. Obviously, I think Islam, given what he’s done, deserves the shot if he wants to step up. But I guess that’s not my call, it’s up to the UFC.”
Considering the immediate back-and-forth between the two fighters, it seems the UFC will likely have little difficulty putting this potential super fight together sometime later this year.
