Islam Makhachev is preparing for a significant bout, though it`s not the clash many observers had eagerly awaited.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed on Tuesday that the reigning lightweight champion intends to move up to the 170-pound division. This shift comes with Makhachev relinquishing his current title to challenge the recently crowned welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
This potential move has been discussed for several months, fueled by Makhachev`s ambition to capture a second title. Previously, this goal was complicated by his close relationship with Belal Muhammad, the former welterweight champion. However, Muhammad`s defeat to Della Maddalena this past Saturday removed that obstacle. Now, Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena is confirmed, with details regarding the date and location yet to be finalized.
While a victory could significantly enhance Makhachev`s standing among the sport`s best or elevate Della Maddalena to a new level of prominence, not everyone is enthusiastic about Makhachev leaving the lightweight ranks. Undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria vacated his belt in February with aspirations of competing at 155 pounds. This development brought fans tantalizingly close to a potential matchup between two of the pound-for-pound elite.
Instead of the highly anticipated Makhachev-Topuria showdown, Makhachev is now slated to face Della Maddalena. Meanwhile, Topuria is scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28 for the now-vacant lightweight championship.
