Islam Makhachev Accused of ‘Dodging’ Fight with Topuria: Choosing Della Maddalena as an Escape or the Biggest Mistake?

The MMA world is buzzing with controversy after Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, was accused of dodging a fight with Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned featherweight champion. Instead of accepting a superfight with the undefeated Spaniard, Makhachev has reportedly chosen to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena, a rising contender in the welterweight division.

This unexpected decision has left fans and analysts asking one critical question: is Makhachev avoiding a dangerous opponent in Topuria, or is he making a strategic misstep that could haunt him forever?

Let’s break down the drama, the fighters involved, and the ripple effects this choice may have on Makhachev’s legacy.

Makhachev’s Legacy on the Line

Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. Riding a long winning streak, the Dagestani fighter captured the lightweight belt in 2022 by submitting Charles Oliveira and has since defended it against Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje.

Despite his success, Makhachev has faced criticism for carefully selecting opponents, with some fans claiming he avoids stylistic threats. Now, by passing on a mega-fight with Ilia Topuria, those accusations have intensified.

“If Makhachev really believes he’s pound-for-pound the best, why wouldn’t he fight Topuria?” asked one MMA commentator. “That’s the fight the fans want. That’s the fight for greatness.”

Ilia Topuria: The Undefeated Threat

Ilia Topuria has exploded into stardom after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to become the featherweight champion. With a perfect record, knockout power, and elite grappling, Topuria presents a unique challenge to any champion.

Following his title win, Topuria immediately called out Makhachev, signaling his interest in becoming a two-division champion.

“Let’s find out who the real king is,” Topuria said in a fiery social media post. “I’m ready. Is he?”

Topuria’s confident callout captured the imagination of fans. The idea of Topuria vs Makhachev became one of the most talked-about potential superfights in UFC history—until Makhachev seemed to go in another direction.

The Surprise: Jack Della Maddalena Named as Opponent

Instead of Topuria, reports indicate that Jack Della Maddalena is now in line to face Islam Makhachev. The Australian welterweight has been on a tear, defeating high-level opponents like Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.

While Della Maddalena is a legitimate contender and an exciting striker, his selection over Topuria has confused many.

“Jack’s tough, no doubt,” said UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping. “But Islam stepping up to fight him doesn’t make as much sense as a champion-vs-champion fight with Topuria. That’s the matchup fans want.”

Critics have called it a “safe” choice. Others argue that Makhachev is using Della Maddalena to avoid a stylistic nightmare in Topuria.

Is Makhachev Dodging Topuria?

Accusations that Islam Makhachev is dodging Ilia Topuria have gone viral across the MMA world. The narrative has gained steam due to the UFC’s public interest in superfights and the growing power of fan demand.

Even UFC president Dana White has hinted that he was “surprised” by the direction of Makhachev’s next fight.

There are several reasons why some believe Makhachev is avoiding Topuria:

1. Topuria’s Power & Speed: His striking is faster and more explosive than Makhachev’s past opponents.

2. Unpredictability: Topuria’s blend of jiu-jitsu and boxing makes him a unique threat.

3. High Stakes: A loss to Topuria would not only hurt Makhachev’s record—it would shatter his image as the most dominant lightweight.

While there’s no proof of intentional avoidance, the optics don’t favor Makhachev.

The Della Maddalena Risk: Bigger Than Expected?

If Islam Makhachev thinks Jack Della Maddalena is a safer bet than Topuria, he may be making a career-defining mistake. Della Maddalena is a hungry, elite-level striker who thrives in chaos.

What makes Della Maddalena dangerous?

• High Fight IQ: Jack adapts in real-time, dismantling opponents methodically.

• Elite Boxing: His precision striking and body work could pose serious problems for Makhachev.

• Nothing to Lose: As a lower-ranked underdog, Jack fights with freedom, while Islam has everything at stake.

“This isn’t a tune-up fight,” warned MMA analyst Ariel Helwani. “If Makhachev is underestimating Jack, he’s going to be in for a rude awakening.”

Makhachev has never fought a striker like Jack. Choosing him over Topuria might not be a sign of fear—it could just be a calculated risk. But make no mistake: it’s a risk nonetheless.

Fan Reactions: Divided and Heated

UFC fans have taken to social media to voice strong opinions about the situation.

On one side are those defending Makhachev:

“Topuria just won the belt. He should defend it before jumping weight classes. Islam is staying active. That’s smart.”

On the other side, critics say:

“Islam dodged the fight. He knows Topuria is too fast, too dangerous, and he picked Jack because it’s easier.”

Some fans even argue that the UFC should force champions to fight other champions in the interest of creating legacy-defining moments.

Dana White’s Dilemma

UFC president Dana White now faces a PR dilemma. While he rarely forces matchups, White is known for orchestrating blockbuster fights when the timing is right. A Makhachev vs Topuria superfight could sell out an arena and do big numbers on pay-per-view.

By allowing Makhachev to take a different fight, is Dana sacrificing a historic moment? Or is he giving his champion the freedom to take calculated steps?

Reports indicate White is still interested in Topuria vs Makhachev—but it may have to wait until 2026, if both men can win their next fights.

What Happens Next?

Assuming the UFC finalizes Makhachev vs Della Maddalena, the stakes couldn’t be higher:

• If Makhachev wins convincingly, he reasserts dominance and earns the right to face Topuria on his terms.

• If Makhachev struggles or loses, critics will say he dodged Topuria and paid the price.

• If Della Maddalena shocks the world, it will be the biggest win of his career and could shake up the entire welterweight division.

Meanwhile, Topuria is expected to defend his featherweight belt, possibly against Max Holloway or Movsar Evloev. If he wins again, the superfight conversation will be impossible to ignore.

Conclusion: Escape or Error?

The decision by Islam Makhachev to fight Jack Della Maddalena instead of Ilia Topuria is a polarizing one.

It may be a smart move to avoid risk and build toward a bigger fight in 2026.

Or it could be a colossal mistake, handing momentum and narrative control to his rivals.

Either way, one thing is clear: Islam Makhachev’s legacy will be judged by more than just wins and losses—it will be judged by the fights he chooses.