Makhachev speaks out about moving up a division, taunts Jack Della Maddalena after UFC 315

Islam makhachev is the UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Islam makhachev announced this Sunday (11) his decision to fight for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg) after the victory of Jack Della Maddalena about Belal Muhammad | No. UFC 315. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Russian sent a message to the new Australian champion.

“Time to become a double champion. Come on. You are not Volk. I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean,” Islam wrote.

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Makhachev's division change depended on the outcome of the main clash of the UFC 315. While Belal Muhammad |, a friend and training partner of the Russian, was defending the title, the possibility of a duel between the two was ruled out for reasons of loyalty. With the defeat of the Palestinian-American by unanimous decision, the path for the Russian to move up to welterweight without personal conflicts was opened.

Makhachev's decision creates an unprecedented scenario: he wants to keep the lightweight title (70,3 kg) while seeking a second belt, which will force the UFC to create an interim title in the category. Charles of the Bronx e Ilia Topuria are expected to fight for the provisional belt in UFC 317, during the International Struggle Week, in July.

Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah
Let's go

- Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025

Jack Della Maddalena wants to take on Islam Makhachev

In a post-fight interview, the Australian, who won the belt after five intense rounds, did not back down from the challenge.

“If he wants to go up, come on. I’ll give it back to the Volk,” Della Maddalena said, referring to Alexander Volkanovsky, a close friend and former rival of Makhachev, defeated twice by the Russian.