After Islam Makhachev’s dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, he has officially become the UFC welterweight champion. With this historic win inside Madison Square Garden, Makhachev answered many lingering questions surrounding the promotion’s 155-pound landscape. Consequently, several months have passed since Ilia Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title following Makhachev’s decision to vacate it. Despite this, Topuria has yet to announce his first title defense.

Reports suggest that Dana White & Co. may schedule it for early 2026. The fight is reportedly being delayed to align with the end of the broadcasting deal with ESPN, allowing the promotion to capitalize on it next year under the new Paramount+ partnership. With Islam Makhachev now established as the welt

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