After winning the welterweight championship against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena received a swift and direct warning from lightweight king Islam Makhachev.
The reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, recognized that the outcome of Saturday night`s main event would shape his future plans. With Jack Della Maddalena claiming the welterweight belt, the route for Makhachev to pursue the 170-pound title is now clear. His close relationship with Belal Muhammad had previously made such a move complicated, but with Della Maddalena as champion, Makhachev seems eager to pursue the challenge.
Following the conclusion of UFC 315, Makhachev tweeted his intentions: “Time to become a double champion. Let’s go.”
Makhachev also sent a direct message to the new champion, after Della Maddalena had welcomed a potential fight in his post-win interview and expressed a desire to avenge his friend, Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski had previously lost to Makhachev twice, with their second bout ending via a brutal head kick knockout.
In his message, Makhachev warned Della Maddalena, telling him, “You are not Volk. I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean.”
For his part, Della Maddalena reaffirmed his willingness to welcome Makhachev to the welterweight division should the UFC decide to make that fight.
Addressing Makhachev`s comment about keeping the belt clean, Della Maddalena reacted with a smile while offering his response.
He replied, “Come get it.” He continued, acknowledging, “I think there are a lot of good welterweights. Obviously, I think Islam what he’s done, I think he deserves the shot if he wants to step up. But I guess that’s not my call, it’s up to the UFC.”
Given this exchange already, it`s probable the UFC won`t face much difficulty in scheduling this matchup sometime later this year.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely