The double champion goal of Islam Makhachev was given a big boost on UFC 315 last Saturday, and he could now only have been removed one fight.
On UFC 315 last Saturday, the short reign of Belal Muhammad's short welterweight title came to an end after a five round war against Jack della Maddalena saw the Australian awarded the new champion.
Immediately after the main event, Della Maddalena was sent a challenging message by the current UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, which was criticized for 'praying' about the downfall of Mohammed.
And after Della Maddalena had had a conversation with the UFC boss, Dana White, White confirmed that they are already working on his first title defense, with Makhachev being the likely challenger.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Islam Makhachev interviewed by UFC Legend, Chael Sonnen
Despite his plan to move to 170 pounds, Makhachev has revealed that he holds his title of 155 pounds and hopes to defend both titles if he successfully beats Della Maddalena.
The Australian, however, will be a tough test for the Russian and he has been warned of the threat of Della Maddalena by the former UFC Welterweight title title, Stephen Thompson.
Not only that, but former UFC -seconder for Welterweight title, Dan Hardy, has supported Della Maddalena to beat Makhachev in their potential collision.
The plan of the lightweight champion to defend both titles has been questioned by UFC legend, Chael Sonnen, who believes that Makhachev could be 'unfair'.
“Islam is a smaller guy, but he is growing much big before 170. Islam is a man of his word, he is a man of integrity, and that is where I am a bit concerned with an Islam fan,” Sonen began to explain in a recent video on his YouTube channel.
“He now says that he goes to 170 and Champ is champ and goes back to 155. I don't want to call Islam unfair, he has never said anything remotely, but boys, I don't believe him.
“I believe he has that faith and maybe he has that intention that is everything he can do,” Sonen continued.
Makhachev continued to refuse Ilia Topuria fight
The main reason why Makhachev was questioned by Sonen is because of his constant refusal to defend his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria.
Sonnen believes that if Makhachev della beats Maddalena to become a double champion, he will still not be interested in fighting 'El Matador'.
The Spaniard will now probably fight against colleague, Charles Oliveira, but it is unclear whether it will be for an interim light weight title or whether it is only for number one candidate.