Islam Makhachev's Next Opponent Revealed After UFC 315

Islam Makhachev’s future in the octagon was clarified following UFC 315 on Saturday night. In the main event held in Montreal, Jack Della Maddalena claimed the welterweight title by dethroning Belal Muhammad in a thrilling five-round battle.

After the bout, Dricus Du Plessis taunted Muhammad, who had previously hinted at moving up to middleweight.

Leading up to the UFC 315 showdown, UFC president Dana White indicated the outcome would shape the next matches for both Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, as the two were poised for a potential bout. Makhachev, however, remained hopeful of climbing to a higher weight division.

Makhachev found himself in a tricky spot going into the welterweight title fight, as he supported his teammate Muhammad. Yet, he knew that ‘Remember The Name’ was blocking his path to the double championship goal.

Soon after Della Maddalena’s triumph, Makhachev took to social media, announcing that he would face the Australian next, affirming his ambition to earn a second belt.

Della Maddalena, although not training partners with Alexander Volkanovski, shares a friendship with him and expressed his desire to defeat Makhachev in Volkanovski’s honor, following Volkanovski’s two losses to the Russian.

“You are not Volkanovski, I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean,” Makhachev challenged Della Maddalena on social media.

Eager for the clash against the lightweight champion, Della Maddalena welcomed the challenge during the UFC 315 post-fight press conference.

“Come and get it, come get it,” Della Maddalena responded to Makhachev’s challenge.

This week, Makhachev revealed he does not plan to vacate his 155-pound title in pursuit of another championship. The timing of his return to the octagon remains uncertain, even though his opponent is now established.