Significant news has emerged concerning the UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions. Reports indicate that Islam Makhachev is vacating his UFC lightweight championship with intentions to move up in weight. His next potential bout is said to be a challenge against the recently crowned welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, anticipated for later this year.
As a direct consequence of Makhachev`s move, the UFC lightweight title will now be contested between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. This highly anticipated clash for the vacant 155-pound belt is scheduled to headline UFC 317 during International Fight Week next month. The decision to vacate and the subsequent title fight have become major talking points and subjects of debate regarding their implications for both weight classes.
Beyond the shake-up at lightweight and welterweight, the past week has brought other notable developments in the MMA world. These include the aftermath of UFC 315, speculation surrounding Belal Muhammad`s next steps after his loss to Della Maddalena, and a significant announcement regarding the middleweight title: Dricus du Plessis is set to defend his belt against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago. Additionally, upcoming fights, such as Gilbert Burns facing Michael Morales at the UFC APEX, are also drawing attention.
These pivotal news stories and recent fight outcomes were among the key topics discussed in a recent show featuring a fan Q&A session with Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon, providing analysis on the rapid developments in the sport.
