Makhachev vs Della Maddalena Will Be the Main Event of the World’s Biggest Stage

The long-anticipated welterweight title showdown between reigning lightweight king Islam Makhachev and surging Aussie star Jack Della Maddalena is finally taking shape – but in a surprise twist, it won’t be happening in Abu Dhabi, the city many assumed would host the blockbuster bout.

Instead, according to Ali Abdelaziz, Makhachev’s manager, the fight is heading to the United States, and not just anywhere: “one of the biggest arenas on the planet.” This revelation sets the stage for what could be one of the largest UFC events of the year – if not of all time.

No Abu Dhabi Showdown – Here’s Why

Abu Dhabi has long been a second home for Islam Makhachev, who won the lightweight belt there and has frequently fought under the Middle Eastern lights. Its passionate MMA fanbase and lavish UFC support have made it the expected venue for Makhachev’s major defenses.

But this time, it’s different.

“The fight will take place in the US,” Abdelaziz told reporters. “Not Abu Dhabi. We’re talking about one of the biggest arenas on the planet. It’s going to be huge.”

While the manager didn’t name the specific venue, speculation is running wild among insiders and fans alike. Likely candidates include Madison Square Garden in New York, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, or even SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which has the capacity to host a record-breaking MMA crowd.

This shift signals UFC’s intention to turn the Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena fight into a massive global spectacle—perhaps on par with McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov or Jon Jones vs. Cormier II.

Islam Makhachev: Champion in Pursuit of Legacy

Already regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the UFC, Islam Makhachev (25-1) has dominated the lightweight division and is now seeking double-champ status by challenging for the welterweight title. After back-to-back wins over Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, he’s outgrown the 155-pound weight class, both physically and in terms of ambition.

“Islam doesn’t just want to defend his belt—he wants greatness,” Abdelaziz said in a previous interview. “He’s not just fighting for titles, he’s fighting for legacy.”

A win over Jack Della Maddalena at welterweight would make Makhachev only the fifth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously—joining legends like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudo.

But make no mistake: this won’t be easy.

Jack Della Maddalena: The Silent Assassin from Down Under

While not as loud on the mic as some of his UFC peers, Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) has let his fists do all the talking. Riding a 15-fight win streak, the Australian has quietly climbed the welterweight ranks with precision striking, brutal body work, and fight IQ beyond his years.

Fresh off his emphatic knockout victory over Shavkat Rakhmonov, Della Maddalena sent a chilling message to the UFC:

“Give me the belt. I’ll fight whoever. Islam, I’m ready.”

Now, with a shot at UFC gold and the opportunity to dethrone one of the most dominant champions of this era, Jack stands on the brink of superstardom.

Why This Fight Matters More Than Just Gold

This isn’t your average title fight. It’s a clash of philosophies, styles, and geographies.

• Makhachev, the Dagestani wrestling machine, represents the old-school sambo dominance, tactical control, and suffocating pressure.

• Della Maddalena, on the other hand, brings crisp, clinical boxing, movement, and an underrated ground game forged in Australia’s toughest regional circuits.

Add to that the storyline of Islam chasing champ-champ status and Jack trying to become Australia’s first male UFC champion since Robert Whittaker, and you’ve got yourself a high-stakes epic.

What Are the Stakes?

• For Makhachev: Cementing himself as an all-time great, etching his name alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov, and building a case as the best fighter on Earth today.

• For Della Maddalena: Instant global fame, a shot at legacy, and a platform to elevate Aussie MMA into a new golden age.

One misstep, one missed opportunity, and the title dream fades.

When and Where Will It Be?

While the UFC has yet to announce the official date and venue, sources indicate the fight could headline:

• UFC 308 or UFC 309, depending on final scheduling.

• A US-based PPV card, likely in Las Vegas or New York City.

• Possibly even UFC 300’s follow-up, with Dana White aiming to maintain blockbuster momentum.

Fan Reaction: Exploding with Excitement

MMA fans on social media are flooding the internet with hype:

• “Makhachev vs. Della in the US? Take my money NOW!”

• “That’s a war. Jack ain’t afraid of anyone.”

• “Islam will destroy him. Dagestan’s taking over again.”

• “Don’t sleep on Della. This dude has hands of stone.”

The potential for this fight to break PPV records is very real, especially with UFC investing in more international expansion and global talent matchups.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Biggest Fight of 2025?

With both fighters at the peak of their powers, high stakes on the line, and a massive U.S. arena as the new stage, this is no longer just a title fight—it’s a collision course between destiny and destruction.

Whether you back Islam Makhachev’s quest for dominance, or Jack Della Maddalena’s Cinderella run to championship glory, one thing is clear:

The welterweight division is about to witness a violent masterpiece.

And it won’t happen in the desert sands of Abu Dhabi, but in the heart of America’s biggest arena—under the bright lights, with the whole world watching.