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The main event of UFC 315 between Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) and Belal Muhammad (24-4) was one of the great fights of 2025 so far, and ended with the Australian dethroning the Palestinian by unanimous decision.
This means that Islam Makhachev is now free to move up to 170 pounds to try to win the double belt, something the new monarch would welcome in what would be his first defense as champion. "I'll do it for Volkanovski," said Jack as he stepped out of the octagon.
It should be ed that 'Volk' fought on two occasions against the lightweight champion when he was the featherweight champion, losing the first by a close decision and by KO in the first round in the second.
Because of Makhachev, Volkanovski was never able to fulfill his dream of being a double champion, and now Della Maddalena is willing to avenge his compatriot and deprive Khabib's best friend in the same way that he did in the past.
Keep my belt clean
Islam's response was not long in coming. First, he had time to console his friend Belal Muhammad, and later remind Della Maddalena that "you're not Volkanovski. I'll show you a different level. Keep my belt clean." Although it should not be completely ruled out that Makhachev and Ilia Topuria will face each other next June 28, Belal's defeat makes it more likely that there will be a fight between 'El Matador' and Charles Oliveira for the interim - or vacant - belt.
Perth or Abu Dhabi, possible options
If the fight between Makhachev and Della Maddalena goes ahead, the key will be to find an event that suits both parties. "Islam Makhachev is next, right? In Perth?", the Australian told Dana White in the locker room after his victory. The UFC will travel to Australia again in the second half of 2025, so Jack wants his first defense to be in his homeland. "We'll work it all out," was the response from the head of the company.
Islam Makhachev is next, right? In Perth?
However, Islam Makhachev and his team's plan is to get the double belt at the numbered event in Abu Dhabi later this year. The UFC is not happy with the Russian's team after their recent moves, and as the challenger it is normal for them toprioritise the wishes of the Australian
However, the Perth card was originally going to be a 'Fight Night', so it would have to be rearranged considering that in just two months Australia has gone from having no UFC champions to having two new monarchs-Alexander Volkanovski and Jack Della Maddalena-.