Outside Source
When Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to claim the 170-pound belt on Saturday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, it also cleared the way for Islam Makhachev to pursue his dreams of holding a title in two weight classes.
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“Time to become a two-division champion,” Makhachev wrote on X shortly after Della Maddalena’s victory. “Let’s go.”
Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah
Let’s go— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025
Prior to UFC 315, the promotion confirmed that Makhachev would defend his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 if Muhammad was victorious against Della Maddalena. Due to their history as friends and training partners, Makhachev was unwilling to move up to 170 pounds to face “Remember the Name.” Now, however, Topuria is expected to meet Charles Oliveira in his 155-pound debut.
For his part, Della Maddalena is more than up to the challenge of facing the lightweight champ.
“I think it’s a beautiful challenge,” he said in his post-fight interview. “He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m gonna get him back for Volk.”
Volk, of course, is fellow Aussie Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight king who went 0-2 against Makhachev in bid to claim two-division gold. That statement prompted a warning from Makhachev.
“You are not Volk,” Makhachev wrote. “I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean.”
A potential date for Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev has not been confirmed by the UFC.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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