The air was still buzzing from Jack Della Maddalena‘s incredible performance at UFC 315 when Islam Makhachev made his move. The long-held ambition of becoming a two-division champion had always lurked in the background, but with the welterweight belt snatched from Belal Muhammad‘s grasp, the door had finally swung open. The Dagestani had been patient—perhaps too patient, as some could argue—and with the landscape at 170 pounds significantly transformed, the lightweight star wasted no time in planting his flag. Everything appeared to be coming into place. Until it didn’t!

Moments after the main event, Makhachev posted a slick, confident message on X, signaling to the world that it was time. He wrote, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah Let’s go.” It was bold, well-timed, and intended to change the narrative in his favor. While most fans applauded the announcement, one X user derailed the party. “😂 Are you waiting for Belal to lose?” the fan wrote, bringing attention to what many have been whispering for months. It was a cruel but honest jab, and Makhachev did not want it in the spotlight.

The comment was quickly hidden from public view, but fans could still access it. And just like that, a moment meant for glory turned into a quiet controversy. The implication of the fan’s statements touched a nerve. Makhachev has expressed a wish to advance and compete for welterweight gold for more than a year. But as long as ‘Remember The Name’ held the belt, there was always a sense of hesitation owing to the ‘Brotherhood’ between the two parties sharing the same faith.

Now that Maddalena has stepped in as champion following a controlled striking masterclass, the door is wide open. It’s not that Makhachev waited, but the optics sure make it feel that way. And the optics are important. Muhammad’s downfall was not an accident; he was outclassed.

The new champion returned from a year-long layoff owing to a gruesome broken arm, looking sharper than ever, defeating the defending champion with accurate blows, elegant agility, and effective defense. Even when ‘Remember The Name’ managed to wrestle, Maddalena remained calm, reversing positions and avoiding injury. The scorecards reflected that superiority, and in the ensuing confusion, Islam stepped forward with a plan that had clearly been waiting in the wings. The fan’s comment, in that sense, wasn’t just a stray shot—it hit the

bullseye.

With the path wide open and a more favorable style opponent on the throne, Islam Makhachev’s double-championship campaign is still going strong. But, even as he moves forward, the fan’s question lingers like a shadow in the background, because sometimes the things we try to hide say more than the things we post. And it seems like Islam Makhachev has been caught. But it seems like it wouldn’t sting him much. Why? Well, that’s because he has a welterweight title shot prepped up for him, as even Jack Della Maddalena has revealed his intentions.

Jack Della Maddalena wants to face Islam Makhachev next

With the welterweight title on a new waist and the path clear, Islam Makhachev may not have to wait long. Jack Della Maddalena has made it clear that he’s prepared. When asked about facing Makhachev, the Australian did not hesitate. “It’s a beautiful challenge,” he stated. “He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to get him back for Volk.” The message was simple: Makhachev may have gotten past Volkanovski, but he’s not finished with Australia yet.

That call added fuel to a matchup that was already gaining momentum. Volkanovski’s consecutive losses to Makhachev made an impression on the Australian MMA scene, and Maddalena now has the perfect opportunity to respond—not with words, but with fists. The Dagestani sees this as more than just another opportunity to make history; it’s a high-risk, high-reward confrontation with a striker who won’t be easy to control.

And it is precisely what makes the fight so intriguing. Jack Della Maddalena’s sharp boxing and movement may put Makhachev’s grappling to the test in unexpected ways. With no rematch in sight for Belal Muhammad and no obvious hurdles in either weight division, the UFC has a potential headliner on its hands. Both men want it. The fans are excited. With each passing day, this possible superfight gets closer to reality. What do you think? Will we get the fight in 2025? Let us know in the comments.