Overview

• Islam Makhachev vacated his 155-pound title in May and is gearing up to face reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in late 2025
• Ali Abdelaziz has predicted that two successful 170-pound title defenses will cement Makhachev’s standing as the greatest fighter ever
• Joaquin Buckley will challenge former champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta this weekend with an eye on leapfrogging to a title shot
• Buckley has publicly downplayed Makhachev’s chances in the deeper welterweight field and vowed to be “his worst nightmare” if they meet
• Buckley accused Makhachev of forsaking his “brotherhood” with training partner Belal Muhammad to pursue what he called an easier path to a second belt