Khabib Nurmagomedov hints at Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev superfight for Madison Square Garden

Yahoo

3 days ago

Jack Della Maddalena appears to have his first title defence already in the works, with the Australian on a collision course with former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
The 28-year-old captured welterweight gold at UFC 315, stunning fans with his victory over Belal Muhammad. Now, a monumental title fight awaits at Madison Square Garden.
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Makhachev is expected to move up a division for this bout after vacating his lightweight belt earlier this year.
His coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov hinted at the matchup during a recent fan question-and-answer appearance in New York.
"This is his deal with the UFC," Nurmagomedov said.
"I don't deal with the UFC. This is his problem, but we have [a] deal with them where he's gonna fight at Madison Square Garden and they said yes."
The UFC is yet to officially confirm the blockbuster showdown, but looking at their schedule in years past, a return to the Garden seems likely to go down in November.
For Della Maddalena, the challenge is enormous. Makhachev enters the bout with the momentum of four consecutive title defences - two of those over Della Maddalena's countryman Alex Volkanovski.
The idea of the Russian stepping up in weight class adds intrigue, presenting questions over whether or not he can implement his dominant wrestling game against a bigger opponent.
If finalised, the event would put both men in the frame for fighter of the year discussions, a welcome achievement to their growing legacies.