Many assume Islam Makhachev will defend his title against Ilia Topuria in the summer. However, a new report suggests the UFC is hoping for different opponents for both later this year.
Following another dominant title defense at UFC 311 in January, many fight fans are wondering what will be next for the lightweight champion. The same could be said about the featherweight king. He defended his recently won belt with a technical knockout win over 145-pound legend Max Holloway in October.
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The belief of many was that Topuria would face former champion Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch. However, when he vacated the title last week for a move up to 155 pounds, rumors spread that he would be next in line for Makhachev.
Well, that may not be the plan the UFC is hoping for this summer and may explain why they have yet to announce a fight date for Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria.
- What is Islam Makhachev’s record in the UFC? 16-1 (3 knockouts, 8 submissions)
Is UFC hoping for Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena later this year?
With Shavkat Rakhmonov injured, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will defend his belt against rising star Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in May. During a new episode of his podcast, long-time MMA reporter and insider Ariel Helwani suggested the promotion is actually hoping for a JDM victory. And then they would give Makhachev what he has long wanted. A chance to win the 170-pound title.
Makhachev is friends with Muhammad and the two do not want to fight each other. If the Russian moved up in weight what would happen with the lightweight belt? Helwani thinks that he would vacate the title and Topuria would instead face former champion Charles Oliveira. A fighter that was reportedly promised a title opportunity after his most recent win in November.
- What is Ilia Topuria record in the UFC? 8-0 (5 knockouts, 1 submission)
So in a perfect world, if Jack Della Maddalena wins, he would face Islam Makhachev in his first title defense — probably in August or September. And then Ilia Topuria would move on to a lightweight title clash against Charles Oliveira in July at International Fight Week.
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