Islam Makhachev’s next move was dependent on the main event of UFC 315 on May 10.
During fight week for the UFC’s return to the Bell Center in Montreal, Dana White acknowledged that the welterweight title fight would have a knock-on effect for the lightweight champion.
Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad, which allows Makhachev to move up a weight class to challenge for the 170 pound title now that it isn’t held by a friend and former teammate.
Had Muhammad retained the title in his first defense, the pound-for-pound number one would’ve stayed at lightweight to likely face Ilia Topuria.
Immediately after UFC 315 came to an end, Della Maddalena and Makhachev started to go back-and-forth now that both men’s future plans appear to be set.
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Javier Mendez says Jack Della Maddalena has never fought anyone like Islam Makhachev before
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Islam Makhachev’s coach gave his reaction to the main event of UFC 315 and what this means for his fighter.
Though Belal Muhammad wasn’t necessarily at his best, Jack Della Maddalena impressed a lot of people after outstriking his opponent whilst keeping the fight standing.
A lot of fans wanted to see Makhachev face Ilia Topuria, but after his performance at UFC 315, the new welterweight champion poses a significant threat also.
Javier Mendez said that he’s excited for the matchup because he knows how much the lightweight champion wants to achieve success in a second weight class.
Though he gave a lot of credit to Della Maddalena, Mendez stated that the new champion has never fought anyone quite like Makhachev even if the defending champion is a dangerous striker.
“Islam’s a whole different animal than Jack’s ever been involved with. So, if that fight does materialize, we’re going to see a hell of a fight and you’re going to see Islam perform at an incredible level.
“We would dictate the fight based on how well he’s doing or not doing, and he can do it all. So, can he take Jack down? Absolutely, he can take him down. Can he out strike Jack? Absolutely, he could out strike him. But, is it wise to try to out strike him like I feel we can? I don’t know, it may not be.”
Javier Mendez hopes that the UFC will let Islam Makhachev have a say over where the fight takes place
Jack Della Maddalena said in his post-fight interview at UFC 315 that he wants to get revenge for Alexander Volkanovski by beating Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski and Makhachev first met at UFC 294 in Perth, Australia where they produced one of the best title fights in recent years.
With Della Maddalena being from Perth, there’s a great narrative for this fight if the UFC decides to have the welterweight champion defend his belt down under.
Javier Mendez, after learning just how long it takes to fly from Russia to Australia, isn’t too keen on the idea and he’s hoping that Makhachev will have some say in the matter.
“If that’s what it is, that’s what it is. But, let’s hope that pound-for-pound number one gets to make a decision if that’s what they offer us.”