A state of confusion has lured over the UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions in the last week. Ilia Topuria vacated the featherweight title with aspirations to move up and fight for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev. Alexander Volkanovski, the man Topuria would have faced if he had not made that move, weighed in on the current scenario. ‘Volk’ explained how various paths have opened up for the UFC after Ilia’s move up – especially in the welterweight division.

In his interview with Ariel Helwani on Thursday, Alex ‘The Great’ Volkanovski predicted how UFC may design the trajectory for the fighters in the 155 and 170 lbs divisions. “There is a lot of moving parts right now. And I think we’re well aware of that.” he said, “You’ve got the Belal situation, Jack Della wins that fight, Islam is moving up straight away. Let’s be real. there’s no question about it”  

Belal is a training partner and a good friend of Islam. He is even ready to vacate the title for the Dagestani if he chooses to move to Welterweight. Maybe it is the brotherhood they share that made Islam think of skipping welterweight altogether and contemplating a move to middleweight for his quest for belt number 2.

When Topuria announced his move up, many expected a fight announcement to follow – Makhachev vs. Topuria for International Fight Week maybe. But now, we can see why the UFC is waiting on it. Jack Della Maddalena holds the key to it all. If he beats Muhammad at UFC 315, the door is wide open for Islam to chase the title down at welterweight. His coach Javier Mendez confirmed as much recently when he supported Muhammad’s wanting to move up to middleweight.

Belal Muhammad is facing Jack Della Maddalena (#4) in a welterweight title clash at UFC 315 on May 10th. According to Volk, Islam’s camp is probably waiting for that fight to conclude. If Belal loses that fight, then Islam will not have to think twice about moving to the Welterweight. “Maybe that’s what they are waiting for” Volknovski added. So where does that leave Topuria?

Is Ilia the third choice for Makhachev?

Islam Makhachev has already shown his disinterest in fighting Topuria and giving him a chance for the title next. According to him, even if he beats Ilia, the victory will not cement anything for him in terms of legacy. “People will just say I beat another midget” were his words when asked about Topuria. After dominating the division convincingly Islam Makhachev is more focused on winning another title for himself. 

According to Islam, Ilia Topuria hasn’t done enough in his weight class (FW) for him to be awarded a title shot against the next heavier champ. ‘El Matador’ may need to prove to Makhachev that he belongs in the division by beating a top contender in maybe Arman Tsarukayn, Justin Gaethje, or Charles Oliveira.

If Jack Della Maddalena wins his fight against Belal Muhammad, then there seems to be no question in anybody’s mind that Islam Makhachev will move to welterweight. His second choice seems to be leaning towards MW to fight Dricus Du Plessis. An idea that does not sound very good to many pundits and fans alike, but still Makhachev and his team are very confident of it. Does that make Ilia just a leftover choice for Islam? Only time will unfold.

A wave of becoming the second division champion is on the rise with the UFC champs. Featherweight champion Ilia wants to move to LW. Islam, the current LW wants to be a second-division champion and has his eyes set on WW or MW. The current Welterweight champ, Belal Mohammad wants to test himself against the current middleweight champ, Dricus Du Plessis. Where do you think they all land in their respective careers in the year 2025? Who according to you will be the champions in these weight categories by the end of the year? Let us know in the comments below.