Islam Makhachev has vacated his UFC lightweight championship to pursue a welterweight title shot, effectively canceling the highly anticipated bout against Ilia Topuria that fans were hoping to see in 2025.
The Russian fighter's decision dramatically reshapes two UFC weight divisions and postpones what many considered would be the fight of the year.
"I think it will be in the United States, probably in October or November," revealed Jack Della Maddalena, the current welterweight champion, when discussing his upcoming title defense against Makhachev in an interview with The Grin Reapers.
Della Maddalena, who claimed the 170-pound title by defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision at UFC 315 in May, also clarified location rumors. "They had planned a PPV in Mexico, but I think everything has changed. Now it's early October in Las Vegas."
Meanwhile, Topuria - nicknamed "El Matador" - isn't sitting idle. The 28-year-old Hispanic-Georgian fighter will get his shot at the now-vacant lightweight championship against former champion Charles Oliveira, a contest where Topuria enters as the clear favorite.
Interestingly, Makhachev reportedly avoided facing Topuria because he had already granted two title opportunities to former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and believes victories against fighters from lower weight classes carry little merit.
The UFC recently confirmed that their "Noche UFC" event honoring Mexican fighters and fans will relocate from Guadalajara to San Antonio, Texas, transitioning from a Pay-Per-View to a Fight Night format. This schedule adjustment means no numbered UFC event will take place in September.
For Makhachev, this decision means a 9-10 month absence from the octagon. The 33-year-old fighter could have defended his lightweight title against Topuria during International Fight Week but chose instead to vacate the belt and move up in weight class.
Many observers speculate this move helps Makhachev avoid a potential defeat at the hands of the surging Topuria. Will these two elite fighters eventually collide in the future? For now, UFC fans will have to settle for seeing them pursue championships in separate weight divisions.
