Islam makhachev used his social networks to send a message of support to Belal Muhammad | after his defeat to Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg.) in UFC 315 last Saturday (10). The Russian highlighted that his friend's fight 'represented something bigger than a title' and reinforced that his companion's legacy would not be defined by the result in the octagon.
"Belal Muhammad |, today we were fighting for something bigger than a UFC title. He fights for an entire generation. Victory or defeat does not define his legacy,” Islam wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) account.
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The publication, however, was accompanied by criticism from other fighters, such as Joaquin buckley, who accused the lightweight champion of 'rooting for a brother's downfall' by indirectly celebrating his move to welterweight for his second belt.
Belal's fall as champion marked the end of an 11-fight unbeaten streak and paved the way for Makhachev, who had already signaled interest in moving up a weight class, to challenge the new champion. Before the event, the Russian made it clear that he would not face his training partner, maintaining a pact of loyalty with the group led by Khabib Nurmagomedov.
With Della Maddalena's victory, Makhachev publicly confirmed his intention to become a 'double champion'. Hours after the event, the Australian responded to the challenge and asked to face him in Perth, Australia. In the meantime, the Russian holds the lightweight title and does not intend to give it up, which could lead to the creation of an interim belt, with Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx as possible candidates.
@ bullyb170 today were fighting for something bigger than ufc title, he's fighting for all generation of people win or lose, don't define his legacy
- Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025
Read More about: Islam makhachev, UFC, UFC 315
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