“I need the second belt to be. After (I can be called) the greatest or something, but right now I need to be double champ.” Islam Makhachev said at UFC 311 post-fight presser. He was crystal clear about his ambitions after making quick work of Renato Moicano with a D’Arce choke. The drive was so strong that he even relinquished his lightweight belt to chase it. Jack Della Maddalena paved the way by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, setting the stage for a future 170 lbs super fight. There’s still time before we witness this generational clash, but a Team Khabib member believes that he’s set to achieve greatness.

Becoming a champ in the UFC is every fighter’s dream. It takes grit, grind, and heart to get there and make history. But real respect? That comes with defending the belt. Conor McGregor made headlines as a two-division champ, but doubts still lingered since he never defended either title.

On the flip side, Khabib, Jon Jones, ‘GSP’, and some others not only dominated but also defended their belts multiple times. Sure, they’ve faced criticism too, but they’re almost always in the GOAT conversation.

Many believe Islam Makhachev is on the brink of entering the same status. Since defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, he’s defended his lightweight title four times with dominance and is already the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC. Now, as he moves up to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight strap, a win could solidify his legacy as one of the best to ever do it. Still, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, thinks the job won’t be complete just yet. Taking to X, he wrote, “@MAKHACHEVMMA most dominant UFC fighter right now two more title defence he will be the greatest of all the time.”

That’s true! The soon-to-be former lightweight champ has already made his mark as one of the best 155-ers ever—maybe only behind his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, thanks to ‘The Eagle’s perfect 29-0 record. But if the Dagestani juggernaut manages to claim the 170-pound strap and defend it, that would be a whole different level. This is especially in a division stacked with killers like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Joaquin Buckley, and Sean Brady. If Makhachev can shine there as well, it wouldn’t just be a historic but a one-of-a-kind achievement in UFC history.

However, to achieve such elite recognition, he needs to get through Jack Della Maddalena first, who is expected to be the toughest challenge of his career. The Aussie has already made a reputation for being a nightmare for wrestling-heavy fighters, and to keep that label, he’s planning to bring in a fighter who gave Makhachev the toughest competition of his career so far.

Jack Della Maddalena to train with Alexander Volkanovski ahead of Islam Makhachev superfight

Islam Makhachev’s indomitable reign in the lightweight division gave fighters nightmares just thinking about facing him. But at UFC 284 in Australia, Alexander Volkanovski became the first to make him look somewhat human. ‘The Great’ lost by a razor-thin unanimous decision, one many disagreed with, believing it could have at least been a split decision if the win hadn’t gone to the Aussie.

Unfortunately, fans were hoping for another banger at UFC 294, but Makhachev’s perfectly timed head kick ended Volkanovski’s second shot at the lightweight belt in brutal fashion. However, that didn’t stop Jack Della Maddalena from bringing the current 145-pound champ into his camp, knowing he’ll soon be the one facing the Dagestani threat.

During an interview with The West Sport, JDM said: “Yeah, 100 percent, I definitely plan to. After the last two fights, I’ve spent a bit of time in Woolongong. So yeah, I think, probably be the first stop to go to Woolongong, talk to Volk, see what he reckons. I think Islam is a better version of Belal. The striking on the feet, I think it’s easier than Belal because he’s more… he’ll stay in one stance. He’s more of a traditional style, but yeah, he’s the pound-for-pound No. 1, so it’s a tough fight.”

Getting Alexander Volkanovski in his camp could do wonders for ‘JDM’ in this upcoming showdown. He already has BJJ wizard Craig Jones in his corner, who played a big role in prepping him for the Belal Muhammad fight. Now, with the featherweight great onboard, it’s going to be fascinating to see how those exchanges play out inside the Octagon. And who knows? ‘The Great’ might corner him as well.

That being said, do you think Islam Makhachev will end the 170-pound champ’s reign short? Or will the Aussie hold his ground and stay on top? Let us know your thoughts!