Islam Makhachev is moving up to the 170-pound division to fight welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, vacating his lightweight title, while Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will compete for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317.
Islam Makhachev is diving into a superfight. But it’s not the one everyone thought it would be.
UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday that Makhachev is vacating his lightweight title. Why? To challenge Jack Della Maddalena, the new welterweight champion, at 170 pounds.
Rumors swirled for months about Makhachev chasing a second title. His friendship with Belal Muhammad was a roadblock. But with Muhammad losing the welterweight title to Della Maddalena, that obstacle vanished. Now, Makhachev is set to face Della Maddalena, though the details are still TBD.
This matchup could boost Makhachev’s legacy or elevate Della Maddalena’s stardom. Yet, not everyone is pleased with Makhachev leaving the lightweight division. Fans were eager for a clash with Ilia Topuria, the undefeated featherweight champ who vacated his title for glory at 155 pounds.
Instead, Makhachev will fight Della Maddalena. Meanwhile, Topuria is set to battle Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28 for the vacant lightweight title.
Reactions to these matchups are buzzing. Check them out below.