Islam Makhachev News
"Couldn't imagine Maddalena stopping wrestling" of Islam Makhachev, says Former AKA Fighter
Dylan Bowker - August 18, 2025
Islam Makhachev is preparing for his chance to become a two-division champion in a looming matchup against welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena, and a former AKA-based fighter has weighed in on this pursuit from AKA product, Makhachev. Andrew Sanchez has worked at some of the best MMA gyms in the world, including a prior history of working out of American Kickboxing Academy, which is where Islam Makachev fights out of. Sanchez appeared on Bowks Talking Bouts ahead of his fight with former PFL champion Impa Kasanganay on August 21st in the PFL smart cage.
Islam Makhachev's coach admits he's impressed by Ilia Topuria, leaves door open for UFC mega fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 4, 2025
Islam Makhachev’s coach likes what he has seen from Ilia Topuria. Topuria captured his second UFC title at the age of 28. After becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway in a successful UFC featherweight title defense, “El Matador” captured the 155-pound gold by starching Charles Oliveira. Topuria vs. Oliveira was booked for the vacant lightweight title after Makhachev vacated the gold in an effort to chase the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Islam Makhachev teases the beginning of fight camp for rumored Jack Della Maddalena fight
Harry Kettle - August 4, 2025
Islam Makhachev has teased the beginning of his fight camp for his heavily rumored showdown with Jack Della Maddalena. As we know, Islam Makhachev is gearing up for a run in the UFC’s welterweight division. Given the success he’s been able to have at 155 pounds, it certainly seems like he’s destined for a title shot straight away. If he gets his wish, which certainly seems like the direction we’re heading in, he will battle reigning welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena for the strap.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's view on Islam Makhachev's welterweight future
Harry Kettle - July 23, 2025
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has given his thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s welterweight future if he’s able to win the belt. Later this year, Islam Makhachev is expected to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight championship. He will be aiming to become the latest fighter to win world titles in two weight classes in the promotion, and he’ll be doing so in what many people consider to be the toughest fight of his career – including Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Beloved UFC welterweight opposes idea of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 10, 2025
One beloved UFC welterweight admits he isn’t gung-ho over the idea of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev. When Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to capture the 170-pound gold, it left the door open for a clash with Makhachev. While the bout hasn’t been made official, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that the plan is for the two to collide next. Makhachev vacated the UFC Lightweight Championship to get the welterweight title fight.
Islam Makhachev might be making huge mistake with welterweight move, says UFC icon
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 8, 2025
Did Islam Makhachev bite off more than he can chew? Makhachev relinquished the UFC Lightweight Champion in an effort to compete for gold in a second weight class. Makhachev has long discussed the importance of winning the welterweight title, and he’ll have a chance to do so against Jack Della Maddalena. At this time, a date hasn’t been set for the fight, although UFC CEO Dana White admitted that a November date in Madison Square Garden is appealing.
Din Thomas believes Ilia Topuria will be able to defeat Islam Makhachev
Harry Kettle - July 8, 2025
MMA analyst Din Thomas is of the belief that Ilia Topuria has what it takes to defeat Islam Makhachev if they fought. As we know, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts today. He has already achieved some incredible things in the sport, which includes becoming a two-weight UFC champion. As we look ahead to the future, it certainly seems as if he’s ready to push for even more sensational accomplishments.
Islam Makhachev believes Dustin Poirier will defeat Max Holloway at UFC 318
Harry Kettle - July 7, 2025
Islam Makhachev is of the belief that former rival Dustin Poirier will defeat Max Holloway in their UFC 318 main event. Next weekend, Dustin Poirier will come face to face with Max Holloway for the third time in his career. It will also mark the final time that we see ‘The Diamond’ compete in mixed martial arts. He’s made it clear that this is his retirement bout and while there’s always a chance he could change his mind, the fact that it’s in his home state of Louisiana would imply that he’s not going to go back on his word.
Jack Della Maddalena believes Islam Makhachev is "too little" for him: "We saw what Volk did to him"
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2025
Jack Della Maddalena is fully confident he will beat Islam Makhachev when they end up fighting. Makhachev is set to move up to welterweight in hopes of becoming a two-weight champion when he takes on Della Maddalena. Although the fight hasn’t officially been made, all signs point to it happening sometime later this year.
Dustin Poirier shares honest assessment of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 1, 2025
Dustin Poirier has offered his assessment of a clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Plans are in place for Maddalena to put the UFC Welterweight Championship at stake against Makhachev at some point in the coming months. While the date hasn’t been confirmed, Dana White admitted to media members that a New York City card in November might be a good landing spot for Maddalena vs. Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev's coach explains why Jack Della Maddalena is a tougher matchup than Ilia Topuria
Cole Shelton - June 30, 2025
Javier Mendez, the head coach of Islam Makhachev, believes his fighter is taking the hardest fight possible. Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to move up to welterweight to face Jack Della Maddalena. It’s an intriguing matchup, but after Ilia Topuria won at UFC 317, many fans want Makhachev back at 155lbs to face Topuria.
Joe Rogan names one fighter who should be Ilia Topuria's next opponent after UFC 317
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 30, 2025
Joe Rogan has one name who he thinks Ilia Topuria should be matched with following UFC 317. Topuria went one-on-one with Charles Oliveira in the main event of Saturday’s PPV card. The two collided for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. The fight hit the mat briefly before Oliveira was stood back up. Once the action resumed on the feet, Topuria clocked Oliveira with a right hook, followed by a left for the knockout victory.
Islam Makhachev reveals targeted date for UFC super fight with Jack Della Maddalena
BJ Penn Staff - June 25, 2025
It is not yet known when Islam Makhachev will fight Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title, but the pound-for-pound king knows when he wants it to happen. Russia’s Makhachev is widely considered the best fighter on earth right now. He enjoyed a long reign as the UFC lightweight champion, but recently vacated his throne to move up to welterweight. Given his status among the sport’s best fighters, he’s expected to walk right into a fight with welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena of Australia.
Dana White reacts to Ilia Topuria mentioning possible move to 170 to fight Islam Makhachev
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 22, 2025
Ilia Topuria may need to pump the brakes on chasing Islam Makhachev at welterweight, at least for now. Topuria has some immediate business to handle, as he will be fighting for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship on Saturday. He’ll face former 155-pound titleholder Charles Oliveira in the UFC 317 main event. Meanwhile, Makhachev has secured a shot at Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship at a date to be announced.
UFC confirms return to Australia, most likely without Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
BJ Penn Staff - June 20, 2025
The UFC will be returning to Australia before the year is out. Unfortunately, welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is unlikely to be involved. Della Maddalena claimed the UFC welterweight title with an impressive decision defeat of Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 last month in Montreal, Canada. After his title win, all signs pointed to a title defense against former lightweight champ and pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev, possibly in Australia toward the end of the year.
Islam Makhachev warned by UFC legend to avoid costly mistake: 'It only gets harder'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 19, 2025
One UFC icon hopes Islam Makhachev can avoid making a big mistake. Makhachev will officially relinquish the UFC Lightweight Championship once the vacant title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira begins. Topuria vs. Oliveira will headline UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28. As for Makhachev, he will be challenging UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena at a date to be determined.
Islam Makhachev's coach believes Kamaru Usman title fight is possible
Harry Kettle - June 17, 2025
Islam Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez is of the belief that a fight against Kamaru Usman could be possible in the future. As we know, Kamaru Usman got back to winning ways last weekend with a convincing victory over Joaquin Buckley. While he had to overcome some adversity in the fifth round, he was able to persevere and make it known that he’s far from done in mixed martial arts.
Joaquin Buckley doesn't believe Islam Makhachev will want to fight him
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2025
UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley doesn’t believe Islam Makhachev would be interested in fighting him. As we know, Joaquin Buckley has been surging up through the welterweight division. He’s been picking up a parade of big wins as of late and now, he’s gearing up for his biggest challenge to date. On Saturday night, he will lock horns with Kamaru Usman – one of the best welterweight champions of all time.