Islam Makhachev is taking his abilities to welterweight with a combat booked in opposition to new champion Jack Della Maddalena, date and placement for the matchup nonetheless to be decided.
With Makhachev formally transferring to 170 kilos, UFC CEO Dana White introduced that he’s vacating his light-weight title to pursue gold in a brand new division. Ilia Topuria now faces Charles Oliveira to crown a brand new light-weight champion at UFC 317 in June.
As for Makhachev, his path in the direction of successful a second world championship was cleared after his pal and frequent coaching accomplice, Belal Muhammad, suffered a loss to Della Maddalena this previous weekend at UFC 315.
So long as Muhammad was champion, Makhachev vowed that he wouldn’t transfer as much as welterweight, however that each one modified after Della Maddalena captured the belt with a formidable unanimous resolution win.
Instantly after the combat was over, Della Maddalena stated he welcomed the combat with Makhachev, and now he’ll get his want with the combat anticipated later this yr.
Makhachev takes the combat because the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport with hopes of changing into a two-division champion.
White stated that each fighters have agreed to the matchup however now it’s only a matter of determining a date and placement for the combat, though Della Maddalena has already been pushing for his house nation of Australia as a possible touchdown spot.
Both approach, Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev is ready to occur later this yr because the longest reigning light-weight champion in UFC historical past takes a stab at successful gold in a brand new division.
