Islam Makhachev blows off Ilia Topuria
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After Belal Muhammad was dethroned by Jack Della Maddalena, Dagestani star Islam Makhachev had no hesitation moving up a weight class. In pursuit of a second belt, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title. Meanwhile, Spain’s Ilia Topuria — also chasing double-champ status — will now get his shot at lightweight gold this summer.
Dan Hardy backs UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena against Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) impressed Hardy in his title-winning performance against Belal Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 315 main event at Bell Centre in Montreal.