Islam Makhachev dropped his lightweight belt to go after the welterweight title at UFC 322. He’s not engaging in any warm-up fights and is going straight for the belt at 170. He has won 15 fights in a row, so he’s clearly one of the top fighters today. Beat Jack Della Maddalena, and that’s 16 straight wins, plus he’d have titles in two divisions. After that, Kamaru Usman is who he wants.

Talking to RMC Sports, Makhachev called Usman the best welterweight ever, pointing to his five title defenses as proof. In Makhachev’s eyes, the former UFC champ represents the ultimate test at 170 pounds. Beating him would cement Makhachev’s place in the division beyond just holding the belt.

He said, “Like one of the best fighters in the welterweight all the time, Kamaru Usman (would be his target to s

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