Islam Makhachev Responds to Pound-for-Pound Shakeup,Targets Jack Della Maddalena

Islam Makhachev says he is focused on bigger goals than his place in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.

The former lightweight champion was displaced from the No. 1 spot after Ilia Topuria scored a knockout over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the vacant lightweight belt. The victory made Topuria a two-division champion, adding the 155-pound title to his featherweight crown.

Makhachev, who had long been cemented atop the rankings, dismissed concerns about slipping to No. 2.

“Well, it’s marketing,” Makhachev told UFC Eurasia in Abu Dhabi. “They do it on purpose to hype up this fight that people were already interested in. This means they’re doing the right thing. We will fight for first place.”

Makhachev had been linked to a title defense against Topuria, but plans shifted when Belal Muhammad — his teammate and frequent training partner — lost his welterweight belt to Jack Della Maddalena in May. That result opened the door for Makhachev to move up to 170 pounds in pursuit of becoming a two-division champion.

Now, the Dagestan native has his sights set on a showdown with Della Maddalena.

“Well, we already have 90 percent of the agreement,” Makhachev said. “Probably in November.”

The UFC traditionally stages a major card each November at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and rumors suggest that Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena could headline the event.

Although the bout is not yet finalized, the welterweight title clash is expected before the end of 2025. With only two pay-per-view events remaining this year — New York in November and another in December, most likely in Las Vegas — the stage is set for Makhachev’s next chapter.