Islam Makhachev Teases Future Plans, Shuts Down Rumors, and Fuels Double Champ Speculation Ahead of UFC 315

Today, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev stirred even more speculation about his next move with a tweet addressing the upcoming UFC 315 main event deciding the welterweight champion.

In his post, Makhachev wrote, "This Saturday’s main event will define what my next move is. But regardless of the outcome of that fight, I’m not going to vacate my lightweight title! We might get a real contender there!"

Makhachev’s statement shut down rumors of him vacating the lightweight belt, and indicates that he intends to defend his belt even if he pursues a champ-champ opportunity at 170 pounds. While many expected him to target the welterweight title if Maddalena wins, his insistence on not vacating the 155-pound belt indicates he may be open to making history as the first champion to defend both weight classes at the same time.

Makhachev’s mention of a "real contender" suggests he’s eyeing fresh matchups at lightweight, possibly against Arman Tsarukyan, who was supposed to fight Makhachev at UFC 311 before pulling out due to injury. It could also finally signify a potential clash with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. 

Though he has expressed his hesitancy to face Topuria, his refusal to vacate also revealed that he may be open to defending his crown in the 155-pound division, no matter who the challenger may be.

With UFC 315 just days away, all eyes will be on the Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena result. If Muhammad wins, the door opens for a historic Makhachev challenge—but as the champ made clear, the lightweight title isn’t going anywhere.