Islam Makhachev has officially proposed a fight date with Jack Della Maddalena: Will the UFC agree?

With his reign over the lightweight division firmly etched in UFC history, Islam Makhachev is preparing for the next chapter in his already legendary career — and he wants to begin that chapter on the grandest stage of them all: Madison Square Garden.

On Wednesday, the former lightweight champion confirmed that he has requested to make his welterweight title debut against current champion Jack Della Maddalena at MSG, during the UFC’s annual November pay-per-view in New York City.

“I asked [UFC CEO Dana White] if we have some opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “It would be an honor for me to fight in the biggest arena for MMA and boxing.”

If approved, this bout could be the biggest fight of Makhachev’s career, and a defining test for the surging Aussie champion Della Maddalena.

From Lightweight Legend to Welterweight Warrior

Islam Makhachev’s dominance at 155 pounds has been nothing short of historic. Since claiming the title in 2022, the Dagestani fighter has not only defended it multiple times, but also broke the record for most consecutive lightweight title defenses. His latest win came in January at UFC 311, where he submitted Renato Moicano — who stepped in on short notice after Arman Tsarukyan withdrew.

However, the undefeated run has come at a cost.

With Ramadan approaching early next year and a packed welterweight schedule ahead, Makhachev knew that holding up the lightweight division wouldn’t be fair to others in line. Thus, he made the decision to vacate his belt ahead of UFC 317, where Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will fight for the now-vacant lightweight crown.

“I want to hold my belt from the lightweight, but it’s not possible,” Makhachev admitted. “If I fight Della Maddalena in October or November, and Ramadan starts in February, then it’s more than a year without defending the lightweight belt. It’s not respectful to the other fighters.”

Jack Della Maddalena: A Rising Power

If Makhachev is the cerebral assassin of MMA, then Jack Della Maddalena is the division’s storm. The Australian champion has risen rapidly through the welterweight ranks with a mix of crisp boxing, vicious body shots, and an aggressive, walk-forward style that overwhelms opponents.

His recent title-winning performance was a statement: ruthless, technical, and fearless. But now, Della Maddalena faces something he’s never seen before — a multi-dimensional, championship-hardened opponent in Makhachev, whose wrestling, grappling, and ever-improving striking make him a puzzle that few have solved.

This will be Della Maddalena’s first title defense, and he’s being asked to do it against one of the most decorated fighters of the modern era.

Why Madison Square Garden Matters

Makhachev’s request to fight at MSG is no accident. The UFC’s New York City card in November has become one of the promotion’s most iconic events, akin to the Super Bowl of MMA. Past headliners at MSG include Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Israel Adesanya, and Jon Jones.

To debut in a new weight class, for a second title, at such a storied venue? For Makhachev, it’s a moment of destiny.

“It would be a big honor for me. That’s the place where the biggest champions fight,” he added.

If granted, Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena at MSG in November would immediately rank among the year’s most anticipated bouts — a classic striker vs. grappler showdown with massive implications.

A New Era Begins

By moving up, Makhachev is doing what few champions dare to do: chasing greatness, not comfort.

He could have stayed at lightweight, waited for favorable matchups, and added to his legacy with low-risk defenses. But instead, he’s choosing to test himself against a younger, hungrier champion in a division known for its power and depth.

The welterweight division is no playground. It features dangerous contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Belal Muhammad, Colby Covington, and Leon Edwards, all of whom present unique threats. But none may be more formidable — or more stylistically interesting — than Della Maddalena.

This potential fight represents the beginning of Makhachev’s quest to become a two-division UFC champion, a feat that has only been accomplished by a handful of fighters: Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, and Georges St-Pierre.

If Makhachev succeeds, he would enter GOAT conversations not just as a dominant champion — but as a legacy-defining, multi-weight world titleholder.

The Topuria Factor: Will the Two Paths Cross Again?

With Ilia Topuria now fighting for Makhachev’s vacated belt at UFC 317, some fans are already dreaming of a Topuria vs. Makhachev showdown — perhaps somewhere down the line.

Topuria, like Makhachev, is attempting to rise across divisions. The undefeated Spanish fighter has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight should he claim the lightweight belt. But for now, both men are focused on solidifying their dominance in their respective paths.

Still, the future remains wide open. Makhachev is 32, in his prime, and focused. Topuria is younger and hungry. If both continue to win, a super fight could become inevitable.

What’s Next? All Eyes on November

Makhachev has made his intentions clear. He wants Jack Della Maddalena, he wants the welterweight title, and he wants to fight at Madison Square Garden.

Now, it’s up to the UFC to make it happen.

Dana White has not yet confirmed the November main event, but given Makhachev’s star power and Della Maddalena’s momentum, this matchup feels tailor-made for New York City. Add the stakes — potential double champ status, undefeated records, legacy-building — and you’ve got a blockbuster.

If the UFC grants Makhachev his wish, MSG in November 2025 could host one of the biggest fights in recent memory.

And just like that, Islam Makhachev’s welterweight era begins — with a target, a venue, and a mission for immortality.