Makhachev reveals advanced negotiations to fight for UFC welterweight title; see date

Islam makhachev arriving for UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil

The long-awaited confirmation of the next step of Islam makhachev in the UFC seems to be close to happening. During his participation in Abu Dhabi, the Russian revealed that the long-awaited superfight against Jack Della Maddalena, valid for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg), should be made official soon and has a good chance of happening in November.

In an interview published on the UFC's official Eurasia profile, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) indicated that negotiations with the Australian are practically complete. According to the Dagestani, only details remain before the title fight can be formally announced.

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"We've almost agreed on everything. There's a 90% chance the fight will happen in November," Makhachev declared.

The potential fight marks an important moment for the UFC: if confirmed, it will be Makhachev's attempt to win his second belt in the organization, now in a new division. The protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov he relinquished his lightweight title and, since then, has been negotiating his debut at 77kg.

On the other side, Jack Della Maddalena comes on a dominant streak and is the current champion of the division, after beating names like Kevin holland, Gilbert Durinho e Belal Muhammad | – for the belt – in his most recent fights. A victory over Islam would help cement his position at the top of the division.

Still without an official date, the duel promises to liven up the second half of the UFC and could represent another step towards 'double champion' status for Islam makhachev, something that few names have achieved in the history of the organization.