“Turning Down Biggest Fight” – Islam Makhachev Trends After Denying Fan-Favorite Ilia Topuria Fight Following UFC 315 Result 

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev decides to move up and fight Jack Della Maddalena while avoiding Ilia Topuria.

“Turning Down Biggest Fight” – Islam Makhachev Trends After Denying Fan-Favorite Ilia Topuria Fight Following UFC 315 Result 

Islam Makhachev plans to get his second title after UFC 315 (via X/Imago)

The main event of UFC 315 turned out to be a massive gamechanger, which has left the MMA fans in shock. Despite all odds, challenger Jack Della Maddalena became the new welterweight champion by beating Belal Muhammad in a stunning upset. Following the bout, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has already made his future plans clear and final. 

Makhachev has eyed for a second belt for a long time now but Muhammad was his biggest obstacle. The lightweight champion had already mentioned that UFC 315 main event will decide his future, and wanted JDM to win against Muhammad. Following the result, he officially made his announcement to move up to the welterweight division without vacating the lightweight belt.

The Dagestani star was contacted to fight the former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, but he had no interest in that bout. The Georgian-Spanish fighter did everything possible to get into Makhachev’s nerves, but it seems like it was all in vain. Given the previous arrangement, Topuria and former champ Charles Oliveira looks destined to fight for an interim lightweight belt at UFC 317.

This is not something that was planned when he vacated the title as Topuria was allegedly promised the lightweight title shot. However, he’s left with no options and will have to wait for Makhachev to first finish his welterweight business. But given Della Maddalena’s performance at UFC 315, it won’t be that easy for the reigning lightweight champion.

Fight fans react to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight announcement 

Going into UFC 315, Belal Muhammad was incredibly confident about his win against Jack Della Maddalena, especially promising a KO. Sticking to his promise, the Palestinian champion mostly kept the fight on the feet, engaging in many striking exchanges throughout. However, it was Della Maddalena who mostly got the best from the exchanges with his head movements and slick striking combinations.

Belal Muhammad losses to Jack Della maddalena
Belal Muhammad losses to Jack Della maddalena (via X)

After five rounds of a competitive war, JDM was announced the winner via unanimous decision, ending Muhammad’s title reign completely. Following the win, the Aussie star immediately accepted Islam Makhachev‘s challenge in order to beat the pound-for-pound best. Here are some reactions to Makhachev’s latest announcement about moving up to the welterweight division for a second belt.

As expected, Makhachev received an array of criticism for allegedly being scared to fight Ilia Topuria. He was mocked for running away from the biggest superfight that the promotion currently has in their options. Many fans also asked the lightweight great to vacate his title before moving up.

The only way for Islam Makhachev to shut down his haters 

Islam Makhachev can now officially move up to the welterweight division and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title. The fight against Della Maddalena will be incredibly tough due to his striking precision, durability, and momentum after his UFC 315 victory. If Makhachev manages to win, he’ll become a two-division champion and cement his legacy as one of MMA’s greatest fighters ever.

Islam Makhachev's ultimate plan
Islam Makhachev’s ultimate plan (via X)

In the meantime, if Ilia Topuria beats Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, he could bag a belt, undisputed or interim. It will all depend on what the promotion wants. After capturing the welterweight belt, Makhachev can return to lightweight and defend his title against Topuria in a highly anticipated showdown. 

A win over Topuria would solidify Makhachev’s dominance across divisions and answer all doubts surrounding his championship reign and greatness. It’s a long, challenging path that only Makhachev has the capability to go through in the upcoming months.

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