Former UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, is rumored to be making his return to the octagon in November at UFC 322. The highly anticipated fight is said to be against welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden. This news has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, with fans eagerly awaiting the clash between these two talented fighters.
Ever since Ilia Topuria’s impressive first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the lightweight division has been buzzing with excitement. Many have been speculating about who will be the next challenger for the newly crowned champion. And with Makhachev’s name being thrown into the mix, the anticipation has only grown.
Makhachev, who holds an impressive record of 20 wins and only one loss, has been on a hiatus since his last fight in March 2021. He was scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos in a highly anticipated bout, but unfortunately, the fight was canceled due to dos Anjos testing positive for COVID-19. This left Makhachev disappointed and eager to get back into the octagon.
In a recent interview, Makhachev broke his silence on the possibility of fighting Topuria at lightweight. He expressed his excitement about the potential matchup and stated that he is ready to take on anyone in the division. Makhachev also mentioned that he has been training hard and is confident in his abilities to defeat Topuria.
The potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria has been met with mixed reactions from fans and experts alike. While some believe that Makhachev’s experience and skill will give him the upper hand, others argue that Topuria’s recent performance has proven him to be a formidable opponent. However, one thing is for sure, this fight will be a clash of two highly skilled and determined fighters.
Makhachev’s return to the octagon has been long-awaited by fans, and his potential matchup against Topuria has only added to the excitement. The Russian fighter has been making waves in the lightweight division, with his dominant performances and impressive record. And a win against Topuria would solidify his position as one of the top contenders in the division.
But it won’t be an easy task for Makhachev, as Topuria has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. The Georgian fighter has an undefeated record of 11 wins and no losses, with his most recent victory over Oliveira catapulting him into the spotlight. Topuria’s explosive striking and ground game make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
The potential matchup between Makhachev and Topuria has also sparked discussions about the future of the lightweight division. With the recent retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the division is in need of a new champion. And many believe that the winner of this fight could potentially be the next title contender.
As the date for UFC 322 draws closer, fans can’t help but speculate about the outcome of this highly anticipated fight. Will Makhachev make a successful return to the octagon and solidify his position as a top contender? Or will Topuria continue his winning streak and prove himself to be the next big thing in the lightweight division?
One thing is for sure, this fight will be one for the history books. Both Makhachev and Topuria are determined to come out on top, and their clash in the octagon is sure to be an explosive and unforgettable one. So mark your calendars for November and get ready for an epic showdown between two of the best fighters in the UFC.
