Overview

• Islam Makhachev has vacated the lightweight belt and is in camp at 170 pounds, where he awaits a title shot against welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov names Shavkat Rakhmonov, Belal Muhammad and Maddalena as the primary dangers to Makhachev at welterweight.
• Nurmagomedov downplays Ian Machado Garry and Sean Brady as serious threats, arguing Brady is a favorable stylistic matchup for Makhachev.
• Khabib highlights Maddalena’s 9-0 UFC run and preparation with the team that readied Alexander Volkanovski for Makhachev as reasons for elevated risk.
• Sherdog reports Rakhmonov was initially expected to face Belal Muhammad for the title but withdrew due to injury, a development that cleared a path for Maddalena, while Garry has denied separate talks to fight Leon Edwards.