Islam Makhachev is taking his skills to welterweight with a combat booked in opposition to new champion Jack Della Maddalena, date and site for the matchup nonetheless to be decided.
With Makhachev formally shifting 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 new lightweight 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 every one modified after Della Maddalena captured the belt with a formidable unanimous choice 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 12 months.
Makhachev takes the combat because the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport with hopes of turning 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 site for the combat, though Della Maddalena has already been pushing for his residence nation of Australia as a possible touchdown spot.
Both manner, Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev is about to occur later this 12 months because the longest reigning light-weight champion in UFC historical past takes a stab at successful gold in a brand new division.
