Makhachev confirms presence at UFC Baku and signals fight against Jack Della Maddalena: 'Good news'

Islam makhachev gave up the UFC lightweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Islam makhachev confirmed his presence at the first UFC event in Azerbaijan. In a video released by the UFC during his stay in Baku, the Russian fighter declared that he was in the country for the first time and promised 'good news' about a fight. The message reinforces the rumors about his long-awaited duel for the welterweight (77 kg.) belt against the current champion Jack Della Maddalena.

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“Hello, everyone. We are here in Baku (for UFC Azerbaijan). It’s the first UFC event and my first time in Baku, too. We are here to support Tagir (Ulanbekov) and the other guys. I wish everyone good luck. See you soon, with good news coming soon,” Makhachev said in a video posted by UFC.

Accompanied by Khabib Nurmagomedov, his coach and former undefeated UFC champion, Makhachev arrived in the Azerbaijani capital this Friday (20) for the UFC Baku, the inaugural UFC event in the country. During the visit, the two took the opportunity to visit the facilities of Qarabag FC, a local football club.

Makhachev moves up to welterweight and is set to face Jack Della Maddalena

The move to welterweight comes as no surprise. Makhachev relinquished his lightweight (70,3kg) belt after successfully defending his title against Renato Moicano in January 2025.

UFC President Dana White made the 77-pound title fight against Maddalena official in May, highlighting the technical balance between the athletes. The fighter's manager, Javier Mendez, says that "weight has never been a problem" for the Russian.

Despite the confirmation of the fight, the date and location are yet to be defined. Mendez also said that Makhachev could end his career after 'three more fights', depending on the result against Maddalena.

UFC Baku

Meanwhile, the Russian's immediate focus is on supporting Tagir Ulanbekov, teammate who faces Azat Maksum, on the preliminary card, at the Azerbaijani event.

O UFC Baku includes local fighters like Tofig Musayev and Raphael Fiziev, but the presence of Makhachev and Khabib stole the show. In a previous interview with the Haqqin.az portal, the Russian expressed enthusiasm about the choice of the city:

“Baku has deserved to host UFC events for a long time, including numbered cards. I hope that one day it will happen,” he said.