Islam Makhachev‘s manager dropped a major hint about the location for his client’s welterweight title fight. The bout will mark Jack Della Maddalena’s first title defense since defeating Belal Muhammad to become champion.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev. The Dagestani aims to join the list of fighters who have become two-division champions. Given that JDM fought in May, speculation has been rampant on how soon the UFC will schedule his title defense.
Makhachev, for his part, last fought in January, securing a dominant win over Renato Moicano. Additionally, the Dagestani set a new UFC record for most consecutive successful lightweight title defenses.
Considering how quickly Makhachev submitted Moicano, his recovery has been a quick, allowing him to remain in fighting shape. According to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, a fitting location has already been identified for their welterweight title clash.
Abdelaziz revealed the potential venue during his appearance on Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo‘s Pound 4 Pound. He emphasized that the location would be significant, promising a major event for fans.
Abdelaziz also confirmed that Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev won’t take place in Abu Dhabi, contrary to previous speculations.
“It’s not gonna be in Abu Dhabi. [Makhachev] is not gonna be in Abu Dhabi… I can tell you, it will take place in the [United States],” Abdelaziz said during his appearance on Pound 4 Pound. “In a big arena. One of the biggest arenas on the planet.”
Looking at the UFC’s upcoming pay-per-view schedule, Madison Sqaure Garden in November seems to fit Abdelaziz’s description. The iconic venue has hosted countless legendary fights and could be the ideal location for welterweight title fight.
Jack Della Maddalena Seeks Revenge Against Islam Makhachev
Della Maddalena is focused on revenge as he prepares for his welterweight title defense against Makhachev. Confident in his skills, the welterweight champion is determined to avenge his friend Alexander Volkanovski, whom the Dagestani defeated twice.
Makhachev defeated Volkanovski first via unanimous decision and then by knockout in their rematch. Della Maddalena appears to have taken the Dagestani’s decision to move up to welterweight personally, seeing this as a chance for redemption.
During his appearance at an Eternal MMA event, Della Maddalena expressed excitement about defending his title against Makhachev. He pointed to Volkanovski’s success against the former lightweight champion and confidently predicted a decisive and satisfying win for himself.
“It’s a dream first title defense. Pound-for-pound No.1. Get him back for [Volkanovski]. We saw what ‘Volk’ did to him. I’m gonna get him. He’s too little.”
Ali Abdelaziz Reveals Islam Makhachev’s Welterweight Move Wasn’t Guaranteed
Abdelaziz revealed that Makhachev’s move to welterweight was never a certainty. Although he hinted at it, the move wasn’t guaranteed, especially with Muhammad still holding the title.
Makhachev and Muhammad had an agreement not to fight each other. This led fans to then anticipate a lightweight title clash with Ilia Topuria. The two exchanged words on social media, making it clear that the Dagestani was open to staying at lightweight.
However, when Muhammad lost his title, the situation changed. Abdelaziz shared on Pound 4 Pound that Makhachev had initially planned to defend his lightweight title against Topuria.
“If Belal had won [against Della Maddalena], Islam would’ve fought Ilia,” Abdelaziz said when clearing the air on whether he avoided Topuria. “That was the plan. He would have fought 100%. Like, a lot of people saying all this stuff, he would’ve fought Ilia.”
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