Significant news has emerged from the UFC lightweight division: Islam Makhachev is reportedly vacating his championship. His intention is to move up to the welterweight category later this year to challenge the new titleholder, Jack Della Maddalena. This strategic decision has immediate ramifications for the 155-pound class, as Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are now set to compete for the vacant lightweight title. This pivotal bout will headline UFC 317 during the International Fight Week next month.
These recent announcements, revealed by Dana White, have sparked considerable discussion regarding the future landscape of both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Beyond these title shake-ups, recent events also include the aftermath of UFC 315, ongoing speculation about what`s next for Belal Muhammad following his loss to Della Maddalena, and the official booking of Dricus du Plessis defending his middleweight championship against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago. Additionally, the UFC`s upcoming return to the APEX facility is expected to feature a headline fight between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales, among other matchups.
The combat sports world is buzzing with these developments, contemplating the potential impact on rankings and title contention across multiple weight classes.
