Islam Makhachev’s double champion goal was handed a big boost this past Saturday at UFC 315, and he could now be just one fight away.
At UFC 315 this past Saturday, Belal Muhammad‘s short welterweight title reign came to an end after a five round war against Jack Della Maddalena saw the Australian crowned the new champion.
Immediately after the main event, Della Maddalena was sent a defiant message by the current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, who was criticized for ‘praying’ on Muhammad’s downfall.
And after Della Maddalena had a conversation with the UFC boss, Dana White, White confirmed that they are already working on his first title defense, with Makhachev being the likely challenger.
Islam Makhachev questioned by UFC legend, Chael Sonnen
Despite his plan to move up to 170lbs, Makhachev has revealed that he will be holding on to his 155lb title and hopes to defend both titles if he successfully beats Della Maddalena.
The Australian will stand as a tough test for the Russian, though, and he has been warned about the threat of Della Maddalena by former UFC welterweight title challenger, Stephen Thompson.
Not only that, but former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy, has backed Della Maddalena to beat Makhachev in their potential clash.
The lightweight champion’s plan to defend both titles has been questioned by UFC legend, Chael Sonnen, who believes Makhachev could be being ‘dishonest’.
“Islam is a smaller guy but he’s going to be plenty big for 170. Islam is a man of his word, he’s a man of integrity, and that’s where it does concern me a bit as an Islam fan,” Sonnen began to explain in a recent video on his YouTube channel.
“He’s saying right now that he’s gonna go to 170 and be champ champ and go back to 155. I don’t want to call Islam dishonest, he’s never said anything remotely dishonest but guys, I don’t believe him.
“I believe he has that belief and perhaps he has that intention which is all he can do,” Sonnen continued.
Makhachev continued to refuse Ilia Topuria fight
The main reason why Makhachev has been questioned by Sonnen, is because of his continuous refusal to defend his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria.
Sonnen believes that if Makhachev does beat Della Maddalena to become a double champion, he is still going to have no interest in fighting ‘El Matador’.
The Spaniard is now likely to fight against fellow contender, Charles Oliveira, however, it is unclear whether it will be for an interim lightweight title or if it will just be for number one contendership.