Fresh off UFC 315’s electrifying main event on May 10, 2025, Islam Makhachev sent shockwaves through the MMA world with a direct message to newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Following Della Maddalena’s unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad in Montreal, Makhachev took to X, declaring, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah Let’s go.” This announcement signals his intent to chase welterweight gold while holding onto his lightweight title, a move that’s got fans buzzing and analysts dissecting what’s next for the Dagestani star.
Makhachev’s decision hinges on the fallout from UFC 315, where Della Maddalena’s striking masterclass—landing 200 total shots—dethroned Muhammad. The lightweight champ, long eyeing a move to 170 pounds, had paused his ambitions due to his friendship with Muhammad. Now, with the welterweight belt around Della Maddalena’s waist, Makhachev sees a clear path to double-champ status. His refusal to vacate the lightweight title, as confirmed in a May 9 X post, adds another layer of intrigue, potentially freezing the 155-pound division while he pursues this audacious goal.
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Islam Makhachev’s Defiant Message to Della Maddalena
Post-fight, Islam Makhachev didn’t mince words. His message to Della Maddalena was both a challenge and a promise: he’s coming for the welterweight title. Della Maddalena, unfazed, welcomed the fight, saying, “I’m gonna get him back for Volk,” referencing Makhachev’s two wins over Australian Alexander Volkanovski. This brewing rivalry, fueled by national pride and personal stakes, has fans dreaming of a blockbuster showdown in Australia, where Della Maddalena hopes to defend his title against Makhachev. The Aussie’s confidence stems from his sensational performance at UFC 315, earning judges’ scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. But Makhachev, with a 27-1 record and a grappling pedigree under Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mentorship, isn’t an easy mark.
Here’s a quick look at their UFC 315 stakes:
| Fighter | Division | Record | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | Lightweight | 27-1 | 4th lightweight title defense (Jan 2025) |
| Jack Della Maddalena | Welterweight | 17-2 | New welterweight champion (May 2025) |
Islam Makhachev’s Lightweight Dilemma
While Islam Makhachev sets his sights on welterweight, his refusal to vacate the lightweight belt has sparked debate. Ilia Topuria, who vacated his featherweight title for a shot at 155 pounds, now faces Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28, likely for an interim lightweight title. Fans hoped for a Makhachev-Topuria clash, but Della Maddalena’s win shifted the landscape. Critics, including Daniel Cormier, argue Makhachev shouldn’t face title-stripping talk after four defenses, especially when compared to Jon Jones’ single heavyweight defense. Yet, Makhachev’s focus on welterweight could delay top contenders like Justin Gaethje or Arman Tsarukyan.
Adding fuel to the fire, Makhachev’s recent training with Zabit Magomedsharipov has fans speculating about a potential comeback for the retired featherweight. Could Zabit’s return shake up the lightweight or featherweight divisions? For now, Makhachev’s camp is all about preparing for Della Maddalena, with his manager meeting UFC brass in Dagestan recently.
The MMA world is on edge, waiting for Makhachev’s next move. Will he conquer welterweight and cement his legacy as a two-division champ? Or will Della Maddalena, riding a wave of momentum, spoil the Dagestani’s plans? One thing’s certain: Makhachev’s bold callout has set the stage for a blockbuster 2025. Stay tuned—this is one fight you won’t want to miss.