Islam Makhachev, the former UFC lightweight champion, gave up his 155-pound title to chase a welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena. In the latest interview with MMA Junkie, he said no exciting lightweight fights remained, pushing him to move up to 170 pounds. This sets up Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira to battle for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas.
Makhachev, who defended his title four times, sees this as the perfect time to test a new division. He discussed the move with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell and CEO Dana White, aiming for a welterweight title shot after UFC 315.
Why Makhachev Moved Up
Makhachev said, “Right now it’s the best time. I was waiting for Tsarukyan because he also has very good win-streak and people were waiting for this fight. He pulled out of the last fight, and I don’t see any interesting fights in my division. That’s why we made the decision to move up because they have new champion, a good fighter in Jack Della Maddalena, and this fight makes me train every day and wake up early morning.”
On rumors of fighting Topuria, he clarified:
“Everybody think he comes to make a fight with Topuria, but he was here, and we talked about fighting against whoever the winner is between Della Maddalena and Belal. He told me, ‘I know Belal is your friend, but this is a sport. Shake hands, fight, after the fight it’s respect, and that’s it. See who is the best in the world.’ Right after the fight in Los Angeles, Hunter came to my locker room and told me, ‘Now is the good time, any day when you want to move up, you have the opportunity. Just tell us.’”
He added, “I want to hold my belt from the lightweight, but it’s not possible because if I fight with Della Maddalena in October or November. Then in February Ramadan is beginning, holding more than one year of the lightweight belt is not what I want to do. It’s not respectful to all those.”
Makhachev’s Career and Past
Born September 27, 1991, in Makhachkala, Russia, Makhachev started in the UFC on May 23, 2015, submitting Leo Kuntz. He won the lightweight title against Charles Oliveira on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280 and defended it against Alexander Volkanovski on February 12, 2023, and October 21, 2023, Dustin Poirier on June 1, 2024, and Renato Moicano on January 18, 2025. His 27-1 record includes a loss to Adriano Martins on October 3, 2015. His 15-fight win streak made him the top pound-for-pound fighter.
After Jack Della Maddalena beat Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title on May 10, 2025, at UFC 315, Makhachev saw a chance to fight him, avoiding his friend Muhammad. He spoke with Campbell in Dagestan before UFC 315, and White confirmed the welterweight plan days later, targeting November 2025 in New York.
UFC 317 Prediction and Next Steps
On the UFC 317 lightweight title fight, Makhachev said:
“It depends who can follow his game plan. If Charles can take him down, he can finish him easy on the ground. Or, if Topuria can catch him, he’s going to sleep. It’s two options. Who is going to make the game plan work?” He added, “Oliveira has a big chance. He always fights good against strikers. He has good striking. Against Poirier he fought good, against Chandler he fought good – both have good punch, both very good at stand up. But if you give him small chance, he’s going to finish. That’s why Charles is always dangerous. So I’ll go 50/50.”
On returning to lightweight, he noted:
“Maybe I’ll return to lightweight. We will see. If something interesting comes up, we will see. I don’t say no because maybe.” via MMAJunkie
Makhachev plans to fight Della Maddalena in November 2025 at Madison Square Garden. The UFC 317 winner could influence his future, with Topuria hinting at chasing him to welterweight if victorious.
