Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed that the UFC guaranteed them a title shot if Makhachev moved up in weight. Following that, Makhachev vacated his lightweight belt and made the jump to 170 pounds in pursuit of a second title. Meanwhile, reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena has all but confirmed the matchup and is expected to defend his belt later this year.
Della Maddalena is showing strong confidence ahead of his first title defense. The welterweight champion expressed his determination to defeat Makhachev as a tribute to Alexander Volkanovski, highlighting their shared Australian connection. Volkanovski faced Makhachev twice but came up short on both occasions. Now, JDM is motivated to get redemption on his behalf. Speaking with BackChat Studios, the welterweight champ said:
“It’s going to be Islam Makhachev, I’m almost certain, which is good. I’m going to get back for Volk. I don’t know where at this point, but it will be this year.”
The Dagestani fighter is no easy opponent—he’s successfully defended his lightweight title since winning it. However, all eyes are now on his move to welterweight. Fans are eager to see whether he can dominate the new division the same way he did at lightweight. Only time will tell.
Derek Brunson Suggests Islam Makhachev Should Consider Staying At 155
One of the biggest shifts came recently when Islam Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to pursue a second belt at welterweight, potentially facing Jack Della Maddalena. However, UFC veteran Derek Brunson thinks Makhachev should reconsider the move. Weight class jumps always bring drama, and while Makhachev has teased the switch before, it’s now official. However, Brunson sees danger ahead. Brunson took to X to share his warning:
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“The UFC welterweight division right now JACK MADDALENA, SEAN BRADY, SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV, IAN GARRY, JOAQUIN BUCKLEY & MICHAEL MORALES. A lot of young talent and potentially fun fights . It’s not too late to tell Islam he has to stay at 155.”
Della Maddalena secured the welterweight title with a win over Belal Muhammad, and since then, a wave of fresh contenders has been making noise. With their explosive styles and rising momentum, fighters like Garry, Buckley, and others could present serious challenges for Makhachev if he steps into their territory.
Also Read: UFC Veteran Clears The Air On Islam Makhachev’s ‘Coward’ Misquote: “I Never Called Him”
