The lightweight world number one assures that Makhachev isn't afraid of Topuria: "Maddalena would be more difficult for Islam..."

Islam Makhachev's move up in weight class has drawn criticism from the Russian. Many argue that he has fled from Ilia Topuria , who was leaving featherweight (145 pounds or 65.8 kilos) to move up to lightweight (155 pounds or 70.3 kilos) at the same time. In fact, that fight between Makhachev and the Spanish-Georgian was very close to happening . Everything depended on welterweight (170 pounds or 77.1 kilos). Islam Makhachev had long wanted to move up to that category and win his second belt. However, with his teammate Belal Muhammad as champion, everything was delayed.

It wasn't until May 10th that the Palestinian-American lost his belt to Jack Della Maddalena. This gave Makhachev a clear path to move up, leaving the 155-pound division. Had the Australian not won, the Khabib disciple would have had to face Topuria, something all mixed martial arts (MMA) fans wanted. However, that wasn't to be. Ilia Topuria will face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title in the division.

While there's no set date yet, Dana White has already confirmed that the Russian's next fight will be against Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt. In response to this and accusations that Makhachev was afraid of facing El Matador, Arman Tsarukyan has responded . "I don't agree that Makhachev ran away from Topuria. [Jack] will also be a tough fight. Maddalena would be tougher for Islam than the Topuria fight ," the Armenian, ranked number one at lightweight, commented at a press conference for a grappling competition.

At the same time, he was asked who was the better boxer, Jack Della Maddalena or Ilia Topuria. Both are among the best exponents of the sport in the UFC. However, Tsarukyan had a clear answer: "Better boxer? I think Topuria hits harder and more often, but Jack Della Maddalena is technically better ," he replied. Regardless of who is the best, the truth is that Islam Makhachev is the one who has to deal with the Australian.

Although there's no set date yet, Della Maddalena stated after his fight that he didn't want to wait too long to return. The Russian, for his part, is also ready, so a fight could likely take place by the end of the year. And although the Ilia Topuria option has dissipated, this could only be temporary. If Topuria wins his fight against Oliveira, there would be two avenues for him to face Makhachev . The first is for Makhachev to win as well, and the Spanish-Georgian to decide to pursue the Triple Crown. The other is for the Russian to lose and decide to return to lightweight.