Jack Della Maddalena subtly predicts the timeline for the superfight with Islam Makhachev

In an interesting turn of events, UFC president Dana White announced many future matchups and announcements during a live stream on Instagram on Tuesday. The announcement that shook the UFC fans was lightweight champion Islam Makhachev taking a call to vacate his title to prioritize his upcoming goal of becoming the welterweight champion by outlasting the newly crowned champion, Jack Della Maddalena . This announcement was a shock since Makhachev’s intention of becoming a two-division champion was clear; however, White’s update on Makhachev vacating the title took fans by surprise. With the hype building around this bout, the Aussie star’s comments about his potential return have given a timeline hint of when this showdown might materialize.

Title vacated, Battle looms: Jack Della Maddalena to defend against pound-for-pound No.1

ICYMI: Dana White confirms that Islam Makhachev will vacate the lightweight title and move up to 170lbs to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title 🏆

Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria will fight for the VACANT lightweight title at #UFC317 👀 pic.twitter.com/Zv12MkF0c4

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) May 14, 2025

White’s Instagram Live answered many unanswered questions concerning the future matchups between elite MMA fighters for the upcoming main events. Makhachev vacating his title came as the biggest shocker since his intent to become a double champion was expressed publicly as recently as a week ago. With Makhachev vacating the title, White confirmed a UFC 317 main event bout between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title.


The potential opponent for the welterweight title was decided in a short time after the former lightweight champion, Makhachev, sent him a warning and publicly expressed his desire for a title bout. Amid the Australian star on the road to recovery, Makhachev has already shifted his focus by vacating his current weight division title to probably push ahead for a welterweight title bout requiring 170 lbs from the 155 lbs former lightweight champion.

Ilia Topuria 🇪🇸 🆚 Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira 🇧🇷
📆 : JUNE 28
This is for the vacant lightweight title after Islam Makhachev’s 🦅move to the welterweight division
📸: @homeoffight
☝️ Dana White #topuria #mma #ufc #Breaking #fightingmediaconcept #UFC317 #Pereira #Makhachev pic.twitter.com/JuUtP7fm8O

— Fighting Media Concept (@MichelPulp) May 14, 2025

By welcoming Makhachev’s challenge for a title bout, the newly crowned Australian welterweight champion did forward his request of making it happen in his homeland, which White seems to be ‘working on.’ While giving an injury update and talking about a timeline to make a return for this showdown to happen, Maddalena told Fox Sports Australia, “There are no plans yet, but yeah, I reckon we’ll be getting back in there within the next four to five months, I believe; some point mid- to late end of the year we’ll get something to get going.”


Also Read: “He could outstrike him”: Coach Javier Mendez sends stark warning to Jack Della Maddalena