Dan Hardy backs UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena against Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) impressed Hardy in his title-winning performance against Belal Muhammad (24-4 MMA,

After Belal Muhammad was dethroned by Jack Della Maddalena, Dagestani star Islam Makhachev had no hesitation moving up a weight class. In pursuit of a second belt, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title. Meanwhile, Spain’s Ilia Topuria — also chasing double-champ status — will now get his shot at lightweight gold this summer.

As we know, Islam Makhachev has decided to vacate the UFC lightweight championship and move to the welterweight division. He will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the undisputed 170-pound title, with the decision being made after JDM was able to win the belt from Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.

Islam Makhachev holds the No. 1 spot in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings — and with good reason. His most recent win, at UFC 311 over Renato Moicano, made him the all-time leader in lightweight title defenses.

Former UFC champ shuts down rumors of Islam Makhachev wishing Belal Muhammad to lose, clarifying his true stance and intentions.

Jon Jones and Nate Diaz believe Islam Makhachev is still new to the sport and needs more title fights to be fully proven.

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev finds himself embroiled in controversy following Jack Della Maddalena’s upset victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. His interest in moving up to welterweight was not a secret.