Khabib: “If Maddalena wins, I believe UFC may offer Islam a fight”
Khabib says UFC may offer Islam Makhachev a welterweight title fight – but only if Jack Della Maddalena beats Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
UFC legend hints at a massive welterweight clash for Islam Makhachev
Michael Bisping and Khabib Nurmagomedov have both weighed in on Islam Makhachev’s potential future outside the lightweight division. As UFC 315 approaches, the stakes are high – and the lightweight king may be eyeing a second belt. Following two dominant victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev’s next move could reshape two divisions at once.
Bisping: “Islam is the greatest lightweight of all time”
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping recently shared his thoughts on the increasingly complicated situation surrounding Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria, and the lightweight division. While a superfight with Topuria seems logical, Bisping believes Makhachev has earned the flexibility to make a different choice.
“If that [Topuria fight] doesn’t happen, if Islam stands firm and says: ‘No, I don’t want to do that. I’d rather face the winner of Jack Della Maddalena versus Belal Muhammad’ – then because he’s such a phenomenal champion, because he’s stepped up on short notice, because he’s the most successful lightweight in the sport’s history – the UFC will not strip him of the title,” said Bisping.
He also noted that Makhachev has already shown his ability to dominate high-level opponents, even with significant stylistic and size challenges. UFC, according to Bisping, knows how rare this level of dominance is.
Khabib: Islam could fight for the welterweight title – if Maddalena wins
While Makhachev has shown hesitance in facing another former featherweight champion like Topuria, his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov believes a move to welterweight could be next – under specific conditions.
“If Maddalena were champion, Islam would’ve already fought him,” Khabib told MMA journalist Adam Zubayraev in a recent interview. “But as I understand it, UFC is waiting for the May card, where Belal and Maddalena will fight. Personally, I want Belal to win. I truly hope he does. But if Maddalena wins, I believe UFC can offer Islam a fight against him at welterweight.”
This statement aligns with previous hints from both Islam and Khabib that Makhachev is interested in becoming a double champion – something Khabib never pursued himself.
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What’s at stake at UFC 315 in Montréal?
UFC 315 will take place on May 10, 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montréal, Canada. The welterweight showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad will serve as the main event, and its outcome could directly affect Makhachev’s next move.
• If Belal Muhammad wins, the most likely scenario is a title defense at lightweight for Makhachev, possibly against Ilia Topuria.
• If Maddalena wins, Khabib believes the UFC will push for a champion vs. champion fight between Makhachev and Maddalena – especially since both are willing to fight on short notice.
Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz also recently hinted at a welterweight move, stating on social media: “Islam wants greatness – not just defenses. The goal is legacy.”
Is a superfight against Topuria off the table?
While fans have called for a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria, especially after Topuria’s KO win over Alexander Volkanovski, Islam’s reluctance to fight smaller opponents has cast doubt on that matchup.
“I’ve already faced featherweights,” Makhachev said earlier this year. “If I’m going to move, it’s up – not sideways.”
Still, UFC President Dana White has remained noncommittal, stating only that “we’ll see what happens after UFC 315.”
Summary
Islam Makhachev stands at a crossroads in his UFC career – defend his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria, or chase history with a welterweight title shot. With Khabib hinting at a potential clash with Maddalena, all eyes are now on UFC 315 in Montréal. Will Belal hold the line, or will Maddalena open the door for a historic double-champ opportunity?
What do you think Makhachev should do next? Join the debate in the comments and follow MMAnytt for live updates from UFC 315!
Source: MMAnytt.se
