Following UFC 315, the musical chairs of champions in the UFC has created an interesting dynamic. Jack Della Maddalena, the new welterweight champ, might be eyeing a challenge against Dricus du Plessis. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev, who has been in the shadow of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, is considering moving up to a second weight class to make his mark in history.
After defeating Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title, Makhachev’s next move remains uncertain. Will he vacate his lightweight title as he pursues another championship? The absence of UFC CEO Dana White at the post-fight press conference left these questions unanswered. Makhachev seems intent on holding onto his lightweight belt while aiming for a second title, potentially overshadowing other fighters making bold moves.
UFC 315 played out like a high-stakes playoff scenario, determining future matchups based on the outcomes. Depending on who emerged victorious:
If Muhammad had won — Makhachev would have stayed at lightweight to defend his title against Ilia Topuria.
If Della Maddalena won — Makhachev would move up to challenge Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, while Topuria would face Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title.
The main event at UFC 315 had significant implications for several fighters, with Topuria and Oliveira potentially benefiting the most from the outcomes. However, the desired matchup between Topuria and Makhachev, two top pound-for-pound fighters, did not materialize.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding future matchups, Della Maddalena’s dominant performance against Muhammad showcased his skills and potential as a champion. He displayed his ability to control the fight and emerged victorious decisively.
As Della Maddalena begins his reign as welterweight champion, the potential showdown with Makhachev adds intrigue to the division. While the UFC may dictate the matchups, Della Maddalena’s impressive performance suggests he will be a formidable opponent for anyone in his path.
Whether Makhachev will be required to relinquish his lightweight title is uncertain, but the landscape of the division has shifted after UFC 315. Della Maddalena’s emergence as a dominant force indicates that challenging him for the title will not be an easy task.