Islam Makhachev Vacates UFC Lightweight Belt, Sets Sights on Welterweight Gold

In a bold move that’s shaking up the MMA world, Islam Makhachev has officially vacated his UFC lightweight title—and he’s not looking back. The dominant Dagestani grappler has his eyes locked firmly on a new prize: the UFC welterweight championship. And he knows exactly who he wants to face—rising Aussie star Jack Della Maddalena.

This decision not only opens the door for a shake-up at 155 pounds but also signals Makhachev's hunger for greatness across multiple divisions. Let’s break down what this means for the UFC, the lightweight and welterweight divisions, and Makhachev’s legacy.

Why Makhachev Let Go of the Lightweight Title

For fans who’ve followed Makhachev’s journey, this move may not come as a complete surprise. The 32-year-old has cleaned out most of the top contenders in the lightweight division, and defending the belt repeatedly might’ve felt like treading water.

Instead of staying in a division he's already dominated, Makhachev is doing what few champions dare to do—he’s voluntarily stepping aside to chase greatness elsewhere. It’s a gutsy choice, but one that proves he’s not just fighting to keep a belt—he’s out to build a legendary legacy.

Why Target Jack Della Maddalena?

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Makhachev didn’t just announce plans to move up—he named his target: Jack Della Maddalena, the slick and skilled striker from Australia who’s rapidly rising through the welterweight ranks.

Della Maddalena is on a significant winning streak and has caught the eye of fans and fighters alike with his calm demeanor and precise striking. While he’s not the current titleholder (that would still be Leon Edwards as of now), Makhachev’s team seems to believe Jack is the ideal matchup for a statement debut at 170 pounds.

Some might raise eyebrows—after all, wouldn’t it make more sense to go straight for the champ? But there’s strategy at play here. Maddalena is a winnable, high-profile bout that gives Makhachev a platform to prove he belongs with the welterweight elite.

Could Makhachev Actually Break Into the Welterweight Top Tier?

Historically, jumping weight classes isn’t easy—especially when moving up. The power, reach, and durability of fighters at welterweight pose new challenges for any 155-pounder. But if anyone’s up for it, it’s Islam Makhachev.

Here’s why this move could work in his favor:

• Technical superiority: Makhachev has elite wrestling and control. Few welterweights can match his grappling acumen.
• Fight IQ: He doesn’t take unnecessary risks and approaches each fight with a calculated game plan.
• Conditioning: If he no longer has to cut to 155, we could see an even stronger, more explosive version of him.

Of course, the welterweight division also presents fresh dangers. Fighters like Kamaru Usman, Belal Muhammad, and Shavkat Rakhmonov bring different skill sets to the table. But if Makhachev works his way up methodically, those stylistic challenges might be conquered one by one.

So What Happens to the Lightweight Division?

With Makhachev hanging up the strap, the 155-pound landscape gets a dramatic refresh. Expect the UFC to announce a title fight soon, possibly involving Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, or Dustin Poirier. The division has always been stacked with talent, and this reset offers new matchups that fans have been craving.

In a sense, it's a win-win: the lightweight fighters get another shot at gold, and fans get brand-new storylines and rivalries.

Legacy Moves: Is This a Khabib 2.0 or Something Different?

Let’s be honest—comparing Makhachev to Khabib Nurmagomedov is almost unavoidable. Both hail from Dagestan, both are elite grapplers, and both have dominated the lightweight division. But this move to welterweight could set Islam apart. Khabib retired undefeated at lightweight. If Makhachev adds another belt at 170, he could claim a unique place in MMA history—one even Khabib didn’t pursue.

It’s a risky path. One that could either elevate Makhachev’s legacy to historic proportions or derail it with a single loss. But that’s what makes it so compelling.

What Fans Can Expect Next

The UFC hasn’t officially booked the Makhachev vs. Maddalena fight just yet, but momentum is clearly building. It wouldn’t be surprising to see it headline a major pay-per-view, possibly in late 2024.

Why is this fight generating buzz? Because it offers a fascinating contrast in styles:

• Makhachev: Ground game, control, composure, and calculated pressure.
• Maddalena: Striking precision, timing, and the unpredictability of a rising star.

This isn’t just a fight—it’s a litmus test for whether Islam Makhachev can rule in two worlds.

Final Thoughts: A Champion Who Chases Challenges

In a sport where many fighters play it safe once they reach the top, Islam Makhachev is flipping the script. Rather than sitting comfortably atop the lightweight division, he's choosing the harder road—one filled with bulkier opponents and unfamiliar territory.

Whether he succeeds or stumbles, one thing’s clear: Makhachev is chasing greatness, not comfort. And for fight fans, that’s the kind of ambition we love to see.

So, could we soon see a second belt around Islam’s waist? Only time—and the welterweight monsters—will tell. But one thing's for sure: the UFC just got a whole lot more interesting.