Makhachev Eyes Della Maddalena Fight Date | UFC News - News Directory 3

Makhachev Eyes Della Maddalena Fight Date | UFC News

June 26, 2025 Catherine Williams Sports
News Context
At a glance
  • Islam Makhachev has vacated his featherweight title, citing scheduling conflicts.
  • Makhachev explained⁤ his decision,stating he wanted to defend his⁤ lightweight belt⁤ but⁢ the timing wouldn't⁤ allow him to compete⁣ in both⁤ divisions.
  • Makhachev's last lightweight title defense was in January.At UFC 311, he submitted renato Moicano, who replaced Arman ‍Tsarukyan on short notice.
Original source: cbssports.com

Islam⁢ Makhachev shocked fans by relinquishing his featherweight title, paving the way for a clash between Charles Oliveira and ‍Ilia Topuria for the ‍vacant⁣ lightweight title. Citing scheduling‍ challenges, Makhachev made the⁤ difficult decision to focus on his lightweight belt, opening the door for a new champion at UFC 317. Makhachev’s last defense was at ⁢UFC⁤ 311 ⁣where he set a record for consecutive lightweight title defenses. ‍This strategic move has the MMA world buzzing. Read more about this ⁣development and the upcoming title fight. News Directory 3‍ brings you all the latest ⁤UFC news. Discover what’s next in this ‍dynamic division.


Makhachev Vacates <a href="https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/40152003/tyson-fury-vs-oleksandr-usyk-live-boxing-results-analysis" title="Round-by-round: Usyk defeats Fury, become undisputed champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Featherweight Title</a>; Oliveira, Topuria ⁣at ⁣UFC











Makhachev relinquishes⁢ featherweight title; Oliveira, Topuria to clash at UFC

Islam Makhachev has vacated his featherweight title, citing scheduling conflicts. This sets the stage for Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria to compete⁤ for the vacant lightweight title at UFC ⁣317. The UFC event is⁤ scheduled for Saturday.

islam Makhachev in action during a UFC fight.
Islam makhachev vacated the featherweight title due to⁢ scheduling issues.

Makhachev explained⁤ his decision,stating he wanted to defend his⁤ lightweight belt⁤ but⁢ the timing wouldn’t⁤ allow him to compete⁣ in both⁤ divisions. He cited a potential fight in October or November, followed by Ramadan in February, making it unachievable to defend the lightweight title within a year. “Holding more then one year of the lightweight belt [without defending] is not what I want to do,” Makhachev said. “Its not respectful to all those.”

Makhachev’s last lightweight title defense was in January.At UFC 311, he submitted renato Moicano, who replaced Arman ‍Tsarukyan on short notice. Makhachev set a record for consecutive lightweight title defenses with the win.