UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev issued a bold warning to newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena following UFC 315 in Montreal on May 11, 2025, tweeting, “You are not Volk. I will show you different levels.”
Makhachev’s ambition to move up to 170 pounds and pursue a second UFC title gained traction after Della Maddalena’s unanimous victory over Belal Muhammad, opening a path for a potential blockbuster fight. However, UFC title policies may complicate his plans.
Makhachev, dominant at lightweight since 2022, reacted to Della Maddalena’s post-fight comments referencing Alexander Volkanovski, whom Makhachev defeated twice. He tweeted, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah,” signalling his intent to challenge for the welterweight belt. Having ruled out fighting Muhammad due to their training history, Makhachev now sees an opportunity with Della Maddalena, who claimed the title in Muhammad’s first defence.
You are not Volk I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean https://t.co/gTplxCAXMY
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025UFC’s policy against champions holding multiple titles simultaneously could force Makhachev to vacate his lightweight belt, as seen with Ilia Topuria, who relinquished his featherweight title to pursue lightweight. This shift impacts the lightweight division, where Topuria, initially eyeing Makhachev, is now slated to face Charles Oliveira, possibly for an interim or vacant title.
🤯 📊 Islam Makhachev finished all of his last 8 opponents in the UFC.
Will Jack Della Maddalena end Islam's crazy run? pic.twitter.com/BkkdemesU8
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 12, 2025Makhachev’s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, previously backed Arman Tsarukyan for a lightweight title shot, dismissing Topuria’s 155-pound credentials, a stance Topuria refuted on X.
Della Maddalena’s victory at UFC 315, a high-stakes welterweight clash, sets up a potential superfight with Makhachev, whose 26-1 record and 14-fight win streak make him a formidable contender. However, the UFC’s focus on divisional fluidity, avoiding title defence delays, adds uncertainty.
Makhachev’s move to welterweight could transform both divisions. Fans are debating whether his grappling can counter Della Maddalena’s technical striking, which has been honed throughout his 18-2 career.
