Islam Makhachev‘s long-held aim of becoming a double champion has taken a significant step forward. In the main event of UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena stunned the world by dethroning Belal Muhammad in a striking clinic, leaving the welterweight division wide open and Makhachev with a clear road. With ‘Remember The Name’ out of the game and no imminent rematch in sight, all eyes are on the new champion and Dagestan’s lightweight king.

Well, it seems like the stage is being set up for one of the most anticipated superfights in UFC history. The Dagestani quickly acknowledged the major shift in the welterweight division. Just moments after Maddalena’s hand was raised, he tweeted, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let’s go.” The motive was clear: Makhachev isn’t just watching; he’s already planning!

For more than a year, he has stated clearly that he intends to pursue the welterweight belt without vacating his lightweight championship. With a new champion and no logjam in the form of a ‘brother’ in Muhammad at 170 pounds, it finally feels real. And Jack Della Maddalena? He’s not backing down, either.

When asked if he was willing to confront Islam Makhachev, he enthusiastically agreed. “I think it’s a beautiful challenge,” he said. “He’s pound-for-pound No. 1. I’m going to get him back for Volk.” A subtle nod to Makhachev’s two clashes at UFC 284 and UFC 294 with fellow Australian Alexander Volkanovski, as the new 170lbs kingpin now seeks to avenge his fellow countryman.

Well, this surely raises the stakes. This fight would now combine national pride, legacy, and stylistic interest all in one. Moreover, this confirmation has seemingly made way for Ilia Topuria’s next outing as ‘El Matador’ had already announced that he would be fighting Makhachev or Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. And with the Dagestani going for belt #2 and without vacating his 155 lbs gold, it seems the Spanish-Georgian and the Brazilian will slug it out for the interim lightweight crown during International Fight Week.

Now the question is that who among the two between Della Maddalena and Makhachev, will thrive? Will it be the Aussie champ’s slick striking or Makhachev’s smothering grappling? The fans are already salivating. What was once a distant goal for the Dagestani now appears to be a reality by 2025. Javier Mendez, Dana White, and the man himself have all expressed interest in a double-title run, and the belt is now in the hands of those ready to fight for it.

Makhachev’s legacy play is gaining steam, and with Maddalena coming off a spotless performance, the ball is in White’s court now to book it for the fans. But what are the odds of that happening?

Dana White to book Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena

The parts are falling into place. With Belal Muhammad out of the title picture and Jack Della Maddalena holding the gold, Islam Makhachev’s dream scenario is now a reality thanks to the UFC’s real-time matchmaking machine. Dana White, who has never shied away from blockbuster potential, has already hinted that the aftermath of UFC 315’s main event will span two divisions. Makhachev’s promotion means that Ilia Topuria will take over the lightweight spotlight, as we already discussed.

The UFC head honcho laid it out quietly, but clearly, in Montreal before the event. Topuria’s next step is entirely dependent on Makhachev’s choice. The Georgian-Spaniard sensation will face either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira in his 155-pound debut—but now that Maddalena holds the welterweight title, the script has changed.

Topuria versus Oliveira emerges as the obvious co-headliner, as the Dagestani marches on in pursuit of greatness. Dana White confirmed the domino structure himself—“a lot of moving parts”—but everything now appears to be landing exactly where Islam Makhachev wanted. ‘La Leyenda’ knew what was coming, and his words from earlier in the week now hit differently. “Makhachev or Oliveira” was more than simply promotional material; it was a blueprint.

Had Belal Muhammad prevailed, the Dagestani might have stayed put. However, with Maddalena on top, there is little that can be done to postpone the double champion clash. The welterweight division has recently been shaken up, and now the lightweight division must deal with the aftermath.

Dana White may not have formally written it yet, but make no mistake: the table is being set. So, who would you be supporting? Let us know in the comments.