The fate of two divisions were in the balance on Saturday hinging on the UFC 315 main event outcome. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria’s next opponent was decided and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev next move became clear.
Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to capture the welterweight championship via unanimous decision locking in future matchups. Had Muhammad won, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former featherweight titleholder Ilia Topuria would have met at UFC 317 in a lightweight title bout. With Della Maddalena being crown the new welterweight champion, Makhachev is expected to move up to the 170-pound weight class for his next fight.
“Time to become a double champion,” Makhachev wrote on X following the UFC 315 title fight. “Let’s go.”
Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah
Let’s go
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025
Topuria is now expected to take on former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a top contender fight. Makhachev has stated that he doesn’t plan on relinquishing the 155-pound championship but he doesn’t plan to try and become a two-division UFC titleholder.
“This Saturdays main event will define what’s my next move is. But regardless of outcome that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might get real contender there,” Makhachev wrote on social media on Friday.
This Saturdays main event will define what’s my next move is. But regardless of outcome that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might get real contender there! pic.twitter.com/c57plqZKcu
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 9, 2025
