Islam Makhachev is set to venture into the welterweight division to take on the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena. The specific date and location for this highly anticipated clash are still pending confirmation.
Confirming his move to the 170-pound class, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Makhachev will relinquish his lightweight championship. This decision paves the way for Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira to compete for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317, scheduled for June.
Makhachev`s path towards potentially becoming a two-division champion became clear after his close friend and frequent training partner, Belal Muhammad, was defeated by Della Maddalena at UFC 315 this past weekend.
Previously, Makhachev had stated he would not move up to welterweight while Muhammad held the title. However, Della Maddalena`s dominant unanimous decision victory changed this stance.
Immediately following his championship win, Della Maddalena publicly welcomed a fight against Makhachev, a wish that is now granted with the bout expected to happen later in the year.
Makhachev enters this challenge as the sport`s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, aiming to add the welterweight title to his list of accomplishments.
White confirmed that both athletes have verbally agreed to the matchup. The remaining details primarily involve settling on a date and venue, although Della Maddalena has already expressed a strong desire for the fight to take place in his home country of Australia.
Regardless of the exact details, the showdown between Della Maddalena and Makhachev is slated for later this year. The UFC`s longest-reigning lightweight champion is preparing to test his skills and pursue championship gold in a new weight class.