UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is preparing to vacate his title this weekend as Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira go head-to-head at UFC 317, while also setting his sights on an Islam Makhachev legendary fight against Jack Della Maddalena on a grand stage. Although Della Maddalena invited Makhachev to fight in Australia after defeating Makhachev’s teammate Belal Muhammad, Makhachev is seeking a different, more historic platform for their clash.
Having claimed the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev has fought multiple times in that city, and some expected the rematch with Della Maddalena to take place there during the UFC’s annual Abu Dhabi pay-per-view event this October. However, Makhachev desires a venue with stronger historical significance in MMA and boxing.
Recently, Makhachev told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn about a conversation he had with UFC President Dana White, expressing his ambition to fight at Madison Square Garden.
I asked Dana [White] if we have an opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden,
Makhachev revealed.
He emphasized the prestige of the arena, stating it is the biggest for MMA and boxing and that competitors there fight
“not for the money or for the victory, they’re fighting there for the legacy.”
And I also want to fight there for my legacy, to be a double champion in Madison Square Garden.
Although White and UFC matchmakers have not confirmed a date or location for Makhachev’s return at welterweight, the legendary venue stands out as Makhachev’s preferred setting for this milestone fight. The arena last hosted UFC 309, where Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic, but Makhachev has yet to compete there during his career.
Potential Return to Lightweight Division After Welterweight Pursuit
Makhachev’s ambitions include becoming a two-division champion, but he remains open to returning to lightweight following a potential bout with Della Maddalena. If Topuria beats Oliveira at UFC 317, a match against Makhachev could reignite the lightweight division rivalry, drawing Makhachev back to defend his former crown.
The UFC has moved away from allowing fighters to hold two belts simultaneously after lessons learned from Conor McGregor and Henry Cejudo’s tenures as two-division champions. Still, Makhachev appears intent on breaking that mold by securing titles in both lightweight and welterweight classes.
With the unexpected retirement of Jon Jones last weekend, the UFC’s pay-per-view schedule for 2025 now has openings, which could pave the way for Makhachev’s welterweight debut. Meanwhile, his thoughts will likely remain focused on UFC 317’s main event as he plans his comeback.
Context Behind Makhachev’s Change in Fight Plans
Della Maddalena’s victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 fueled the call for a clash with Makhachev, who is a close teammate of Muhammad. Although Maddalena invited Makhachev to fight in Australia, the reigning lightweight champion and his management have indicated that Makhachev seeks a different route to elevate his career legacy.
Makhachev last competed at UFC 311, where he successfully defended his lightweight belt by defeating Renato Moicano. Since then, his move to welterweight has been anticipated, but he aims for a setting that aligns with his vision of lasting impact in the sport rather than simply accepting any available fight opportunity.