UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is set for a highly anticipated superfight, though not the one many fans had hoped for. UFC CEO Dana White recently announced that Makhachev will vacate his 155-pound title to challenge the newly crowned welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, in the 170-pound division.
Speculation about Makhachev pursuing a second title had circulated for months. His desire for a second belt was known, but he was hesitant to challenge his close friend, Belal Muhammad, who held the welterweight title until recently. This obstacle was removed last Saturday when Della Maddalena defeated Muhammad, paving the way for the champions` clash. The date and location for the Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena superfight are yet to be determined.
While this matchup presents significant opportunities – allowing Makhachev to enhance his pound-for-pound status or Della Maddalena to achieve mainstream stardom – it has left some fans disappointed. Many were anticipating a showdown between Makhachev and undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria had vacated his 145-pound title earlier this year with the explicit goal of competing at 155 pounds, seemingly setting the stage for a potential clash of arguably the sport`s two best fighters.
However, instead of facing Makhachev, Ilia Topuria is now scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. This bout will headline UFC 317 on June 28. The news of Makhachev`s move to welterweight and Topuria`s fight against Oliveira has sparked considerable discussion among fight fans.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely