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Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria Trade Barbs over Lightweight Champion Vacating Title to Move up to Welterweight
- Islam Makhachev vacated the UFC lightweight title in May 2025 to move up and challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt later this year.
- Makhachev made this move after Belal Muhammad lost the welterweight title to Della Maddalena, while Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight crown to contest the vacant lightweight belt.
- Topuria criticized Makhachev for avoiding a fight with him and called him hypocritical for seeking a new title opportunity Makhachev once denied Topuria at lightweight.
- In response, Makhachev claimed he has overcome all major challenges in the lightweight division, criticized Topuria for avoiding top featherweight opponents, and told him to secure a victory before they could have a serious conversation.
- The lightweight title is now vacant and will be decided by Topuria and Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas, while Makhachev aims to become a two-division champion at welterweight.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Islam Makhachev Leaves Door Open For Super Fight After Heated Response
After Islam Makhachev made the decision to move up to the welterweight division following Jack Della Maddalena’s (JDM) win over the previous champion, Belal Muhammad; former featherweight champ, Ilia Topuria, accused the 4 x UFC Lightweight Champion of intentionally dodging him. On June 28, another dream will come true. Iâll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance⦠Iâm just fighting for my dreams. Itâ…
Makhachev to face Della Maddalena
For a good while, it was thought that if Islam Makhachev took a shot at the welterweight title, he'd have his lightweight belt to fall back on. After all, two-division champion status has become a coveted resume line in MMA, and Makhachev recently said he planned to challenge new welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena after he upset Belal Muhammad for the belt at UFC 315 – and made every indication he still had work to do at lightweight. But…
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