Khabib Nurmagomedov has informed fans what exactly is happening with the next step from Islam Makhachev.
Earlier this year Makhachev followed the path of his mentor and gave the lightweight title back to the UFC that it had never lost. In 2020, Nurmagomedov withdrew from the sport at the request of his mother, and now wanted to change his Protege Division, which means that he echoed the plan.
Now Makhachev is going to Welterweight to pursue Jack della Maddalena and the Welterweight title. And Nurmagomedov confirmed to a fan Q&A in New York exactly when that will happen after almost a year of waiting.
Khabib Nurmagomedov leaks Islam Makhachev to head UFC 322 in New York
Speaking with fans on a Q&A just outside of New York City last night, Khabib Nurmagomedov told supporters that he expects Islam Makhachev to defend his belt soon. He even gave details and noticed that it would take place in the historic Madison Square Garden.
When one of his handlers tried to stop him from leaking the information, the legendary 39-0 noted: “This is his deal with UFC, I don't have a deal with UFC, this is his problem. But we are dealing with UFC that he is going to fight in Madison Square Garden.”
Makhachev would place that every year as a headliner of the annual New York City card at the beginning of November. From the moment of writing, the first available Saturday in the month of November at the famous location is Saturday 15 November.
Islam Makhachev is insisting to become world champion two weight
After breaking the record of Nurmagomedov for lightweight defenses that had been and had been matched for decades alone, Makhachev decided to go up and challenge for a new title. He takes on Jack della Maddalena, who earlier this year the Russian teammate Belal Muhammad dethroned.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The news of the step of the lightweight champion in weight came as a disappointment for the fan base, because the majority of fans were hopefully to see a super fight between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, which has since moved from featherweight and picked up the vacant belt.
The fight with Della Maddalena, however, remains a fascinating and huge matchup that will attract the attention of fans. The move in weights will be a rare new challenge for the Russian, who had been unbeatable for years.