Islam Makhachev’s move to the welterweight division in pursuit of a second UFC title has opened the door to several high-profile matchups. Makhachev’s manager says a title shot at 170 pounds against Jack Della Maddalena is already guaranteed. Meanwhile, Kamaru Usman has expressed interest in facing the Dagestani star after that bout, seeing it as the ideal way to close out his UFC career.
Usman recently opened up about Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight, showing both respect and sincerity. He admitted that it used to bother him, but now he fully supports Makhachev and even says he genuinely cares for him.The Nigerian fighter also praised the matchup between Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, calling it a great fight. In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, The Nigerian Nightmare shared,
“I do think Islam has the ability to do it, but it’s not going to be easy. Fast forward — current pound-for-pound vs. former pound-for-pound — I think that’s a blockbuster. That would be a great outing to go out there and get a blockbuster before I sail off.”
Kamaru Usman breaks down Islam vs JDM and sees a blockbuster clash between himself and Islam 🔥🥶
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 11, 2025
"I love Islam coming up. At one point, I probably would have been a little annoyed with it. I really love Islam and care for him. I think Islam vs. Jack is a fantastic fight. I… pic.twitter.com/l3DKjiB3uM
Meanwhile, the former welterweight champion must first get past Joaquin Buckley in their upcoming Fight Night clash. A win in this bout could put Usman back in title contention at 170 pounds and bring him one step closer to a potential showdown with Islam Makhachev.
Jack Della Maddalena Plans To Avenge Alexander Volkanovski And Defend Title Against Islam Makhachev Later This Year
Makhachev is officially moving up to welterweight after vacating his lightweight title, with a guaranteed title shot already secured, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena has all but confirmed the matchup and is preparing for what will be his first title defense later this year.
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Confident and motivated, Della Maddalena says he’s determined to defeat Makhachev as a tribute to fellow Aussie Alexander Volkanovski, who fell short twice against the Dagestani.
Speaking to BackChat Studios, JDM stated, “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.”
JDM proved in his last fight why he’s a deserving champion, and now he faces one of the toughest challenges of his career. With Makhachev stepping into a new division, all eyes are on whether he can replicate his dominance at 170 pounds the way he did at lightweight.
Also Read: Jack Della Maddalena Resorts To Special Help Ahead Of Super Fight With Islam Makhachev
