Islam Makhachev issues welterweight warning to Maddalena after UFC 315

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has issued a clear warning to newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, saying he will “show you a different level” if the two meet in the octagon.

Della Maddalena secured a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 315 in Montreal, taking the welterweight title in what was Muhammad’s first defence.

The result opens the door for Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, to move up to 170lbs and pursue a second UFC belt.

Makhachev, who has reigned over the lightweight division since 2022, had previously ruled out fighting Muhammad due to their close training history.

However, with Muhammad out of the title picture, Makhachev is free to pursue his double-champion ambition.

Reacting to Della Maddalena’s post-fight remarks referencing Alexander Volkanovski, whom Makhachev has defeated twice, the Russian tweeted: “You are not Volk. I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean.” He followed it up with: “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let’s go.”

Despite Makhachev’s intentions, UFC policy may prevent him from holding two titles simultaneously.

The promotion has increasingly moved away from allowing champions to keep belts in multiple weight classes, citing delays in title defences and divisional backlog.

If the UFC enforces that stance, Makhachev may be required to vacate the lightweight belt before challenging Della Maddalena.

A similar move was recently made by Ilia Topuria, who gave up his featherweight title in order to contend at 155lbs.

Topuria was also watching UFC 315 closely. Had Muhammad retained the belt, Makhachev would likely have stayed at lightweight to face Topuria.

Now, Topuria is expected to face Charles Oliveira instead, though it remains unclear whether their bout will be for an interim or vacant lightweight title.

UFC's legendary former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is Makhachev's trainer and coach now, had previously voiced support for Arman Tsarukyan as the next challenger for Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title, stating that Tsarukyan’s record and recent performances merit a title shot.

He expressed less enthusiasm for Ilia Topuria, citing the featherweight champion’s lack of experience in the 155-pound division.

Ilia Topuria refuted Khabib Nurmagomedov's assertion declaring himself the rightful challenger for Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight title.