Islam Makhachev Issues Warning After UFC 315: 'Keep My Belt Clean'
UFC 315 delivered in a big way, showcasing a stacked lineup and a main event that lived up to the hype. The headline bout featured Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight title against rising contender Jack Della Maddalena. After five hard-fought rounds filled with tactical striking and relentless pressure, it was Della Maddalena who earned a unanimous decision victory over Muhammad to capture the belt. The result has put Della Maddalena in the spotlight.
Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev wasted no time making his intentions known. Shortly after the event, he took to X with a bold declaration: ‘Time to become a double champion. Let’s go’—followed by a direct shot at the new champ: ‘You are not Volk. I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean.’
His reference to ‘Volk’ alludes to current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, whom Makhachev first defeated in a closely contested bout and later knocked out in their rematch—demonstrating his ability to handle elite strikers from other divisions.
Islam Makhachev
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Makhachev’s comments have sparked speculation that he may be eyeing a move to welterweight in pursuit of champ-champ status—a feat few fighters in UFC history have achieved. With Ilia Topuria generating buzz at lightweight and contenders circling both divisions, the next few weeks could be pivotal. As matchmakers weigh their options, fans might be on the verge of witnessing a historic title clash between dominant champions—but it may not be the superfight they hoped for between Topuria and Makhachev. Dana White has his hands full with this one.
