Do Bronx and Topuria waiting? Makhachev awaits fight to decide next step in UFC

I. Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Islam makhachev has defined a meticulous strategy for his next steps in the UFC. The Russian, current lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), awaits the result of the duel between Belal Muhammad | e Jack Della Maddalena, scheduled for May 10th at UFC 315 in Montreal, Canada, before deciding whether to advance to the welterweight division (up to 77kg) in search of a second title. The information was originally released by the Spanish portal ABC.es.

Case Jack Della Maddalena If Makhachev wins the title, he sees a viable opportunity to move up a category and challenge the new champion. The logic behind the choice is the compatibility of styles: the Australian would have a more attractive profile for the Russian, who seeks fights with media and historical impact.

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Yes, Belal Muhammad |, the current champion with a style considered 'technical but less spectacular', could discourage a division change due to his dominant approach to grappling and control of pace. Furthermore, the champions have trained together in the past.

Makhachev’s interest in duplicating his legacy is no secret. In 2024, he had already expressed a desire to follow in the footsteps of legends such as Conor McGregor e Amanda nunes, athletes holding two belts simultaneously. The wait for the UFC 315, however, reflects strategic caution.

While Makhachev plans his future, another piece is moving behind the scenes: Ilia Topuria, former featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) who gave up the belt to target the lightweight division. The Georgian, who defeated Alexander Volkanovsky in 2024, has a direct interest in facing Islam, but the UFC has postponed talks until after the UFC 315.

Charles of the Bronx, in turn, remains in line for a new chance at the lightweight belt. The Brazilian, who lost the title to Makhachev in 2023, is putting pressure on Dana White's organization and is awaiting a decision. His team is in dialogue with the organization, but the current priority is to resolve the impasse involving the Russian and the welterweights.