Islam Makhachev is in pursuit of greatness. Already the pound-for-pound king and reigning UFC lightweight champion with four successful title defenses — the most in the division’s storied history — the Dagestani now sets his sights on conquering a second weight class. His target? A welterweight showdown with Australia’s surging star, Jack Della Maddalena.
But as Makhachev gears up for the toughest challenge of his career, some voices in the MMA community are raising red flags.
Chael Sonnen casts doubt on Makhachev’s two-division dream
UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen has shared concerns about Makhachev’s bold plan to juggle both lightweight and welterweight duties. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen questioned the feasibility of Islam becoming a true two-division champion while continuing to defend the 155-pound strap.
“Islam is a smaller guy, but he’s going to be plenty big for 170. Islam is a man of his word, he’s a man of great integrity. And that’s where it does concern me a little bit as an Islam fan. He’s saying he’s going to 170, be champ-champ, go back to 155. I don’t want to call Islam dishonest, but I don’t believe him.”
— Chael Sonnen via YouTube
The shifting title picture and Makhachev’s next move
Heading into UFC 315, Makhachev’s next opponent depended on the outcome of the welterweight title clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad. Had Muhammad retained his belt, Islam might have been forced to defend against featherweight champion Ilia Topuria instead.
However, Della Maddalena's dominant unanimous decision win changed the landscape. Now, the focus is on Makhachev's anticipated welterweight debut, while Topuria could end up facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Della Maddalena’s breakout performance and rising stock
At UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena stunned fans and pundits alike with a composed and technically sound performance against Belal Muhammad. Choosing to stand and strike, Muhammad moved away from his wrestling-heavy style — a decision that backfired. Della Maddalena shut down the few takedowns attempted and showcased vastly improved takedown defense.
Following his victory, JDM called out Islam Makhachev, requesting the fight to take place in his home country of Australia — a matchup that could draw massive global attention.
Analysts weigh in: Can Makhachev compete at 170?
Veteran MMA analyst Dan Hardy has also shared skepticism about how Makhachev will fare at welterweight.
“I think Della Maddalena has a bright future…I don’t think he’s going to lose it to Makhachev, though. Della Maddalena looked very, very sharp against Belal, and I wonder what Makhachev would look like as a welterweight. Whether he would look as strong and as lean, or whether he’d look heavier and potentially gas himself out because he’d be stepping straight into a five-round fight.”
Dan Hardy via Submission Radio
What’s at stake for both fighters?
If Della Maddalena can overcome Makhachev, it would be a monumental upset that cements his rise to UFC stardom. It would also set the stage for future defenses against the likes of Ian Machado Garry, Joaquin Buckley, and Sean Brady — three hungry contenders waiting in the wings.
For Makhachev, a win would place him in elite company. Only three fighters in UFC history have simultaneously held two belts — Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and Daniel Cormier. Should he succeed, Islam Makhachev would join this rare club and solidify his legacy as one of MMA’s all-time greats.
All eyes on UFC’s official announcement
The stakes couldn’t be higher. While Sonnen and Hardy offer fair doubts, Makhachev’s track record suggests he’s not one to take challenges lightly. UFC fans around the world now wait for the official announcement — and the beginning of what could be the most defining chapter of Makhachev’s career.