The UFC lightweight division has always been one of the organization’s marquee attractions, with fierce competitors and legacy-defining bouts. However, the recent developments surrounding Islam Makhachev’s next fight have stirred up significant intrigue and speculation. According to Ali Abdelaziz, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s close friend and Makhachev’s manager, the anticipated fight between Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena was not part of UFC President Dana White’s original vision for the lightweight champion’s next move.

Dana White’s Master Plan Derailed?

For months, speculation surrounded Makhachev’s next title defense. Many fans and insiders expected another lightweight contender to step up or a rematch with Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. But the latest revelation from Abdelaziz during the Pound 4 Pound Podcast suggests that Dana White’s blueprint has been altered dramatically. Abdelaziz stated bluntly:

“This fight is not going to be in Abu Dhabi. Islam Makhachev is not gonna be in Abu Dhabi… it’s going to be in the U.S., in one of the biggest arenas on the planet.”

This comment confirmed that White’s preferred venue, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, which has become synonymous with Makhachev’s title fights, will instead be headlined by the light heavyweight rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. Makhachev’s next battle, therefore, will take place on American soil, marking a significant departure from his recent fight history.

Islam Makhachev’s Madison Square Garden Dream

As the buzz builds, one venue stands out: Madison Square Garden (MSG). Makhachev has been vocal about his ambition to fight in the most iconic arena in combat sports.

“I asked Dana if we have some opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden. It would be an honor for me to fight in the biggest arena for MMA and boxing. Legendary arena,” said Makhachev.

For the Dagestan-born fighter, MSG represents the ultimate proving ground—a chance to etch his name alongside legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Georges St-Pierre. While Abu Dhabi has been kind to Makhachev’s career, the lure of New York City’s bright lights and a chance to headline a UFC event at MSG is impossible to ignore.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Big Opportunity

On the other side, Jack Della Maddalena, fresh off his dominant victory over Belal Muhammad, is hungry to cement his name among the sport’s elite. The Australian welterweight star has expressed his own desire to fight at Madison Square Garden.

“Madison Square Garden is a pretty iconic spot. All the greats have fought there. Conor McGregor captured double gold there. It’s obviously a massive venue in a pretty wild city. I’d love to take that No. 1 pound-for-pound spot there,” Maddalena told ESPN.

The stakes are clear: for Maddalena, defeating a dominant champion like Makhachev in such a historic venue would be career-defining, perhaps placing him among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

The Stakes: Legacy and the Pound-for-Pound Crown

While the lightweight title may no longer be on the line after Makhachev vacated it, the fight has evolved into something more significant—a clash for legacy and pound-for-pound supremacy. If Makhachev moves up and defeats Maddalena, he solidifies his place as one of the sport’s few two-division conquerors. Conversely, if Maddalena triumphs, he hands the Dagestani his first UFC loss and claims the mantle of the most dominant fighter on the planet.

This fight echoes legendary bouts of the past—Conor McGregor versus Eddie Alvarez at MSG, Georges St-Pierre’s middleweight title win, and more recently, Alex Pereira’s double-division dominance.

Why Abu Dhabi Was Scrapped

The decision to move Makhachev’s fight out of Abu Dhabi was partly logistical. Abdelaziz confirmed that the UFC 312 main event in Abu Dhabi will feature the light heavyweight rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. This match-up, a continuation of the controversial first bout between the two, promises fireworks and requires a massive platform—fitting for Abu Dhabi’s biggest MMA event of the year.

Therefore, it made sense for Makhachev’s super fight to move stateside, allowing both fights to headline their own cards without diluting the spotlight.

The UFC’s Mega-Fight Strategy

Makhachev vs. Maddalena represents a new wave of UFC matchmaking. Gone are the days where weight class divisions were rigid and inflexible. Instead, Dana White and his matchmakers are increasingly chasing legacy fights, super fights, and crossover showdowns that capture global attention.

Islam Makhachev has long expressed an interest in testing himself against bigger fighters. After several lightweight title defenses, his sights shifted toward welterweight, where fighters like Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman reigned. But with Edwards sidelined and Usman on a decline, Maddalena—young, hungry, and in his prime—emerged as the perfect test.

Fans and Fighters React

The MMA community responded with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some argue that Maddalena hasn’t faced enough elite wrestlers to be ready for a grappler like Makhachev. Others counter that Maddalena’s striking is world-class and could neutralize Makhachev’s ground game.

Fighters, too, weighed in:

• Henry Cejudo: “If Islam pulls this off, he’s the best fighter on the planet. Period.”

• Michael Chandler: “Jack has hands. Islam better shoot quick or he’ll get clipped.”

• Daniel Cormier: “MSG, Islam, Jack… the recipe for something special.”

Venue Speculation: Madison Square Garden or Allegiant Stadium?

While Madison Square Garden remains the favorite, there are whispers about the UFC possibly staging the bout at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This would mark the UFC’s first event at the NFL-sized venue and would allow a significantly larger crowd. However, both fighters’ vocal support for MSG makes New York the most likely choice.

A Timeline for the Fight Announcement

Sources suggest that the UFC is targeting November for UFC 314, aligning with its traditional Madison Square Garden pay-per-view slot. Dana White has typically announced such blockbuster fights in late summer, so fans should expect an official confirmation soon.

However, Abdelaziz’s public comments may have forced White’s hand, as the UFC president typically prefers to break such news himself.

How the Fight Breaks Down

From a stylistic perspective, the bout presents fascinating questions:

• Can Makhachev’s relentless takedowns neutralize Maddalena’s boxing?

• Will Jack’s striking and movement frustrate Islam and keep the fight standing?

• How will Makhachev’s cardio hold up against a bigger opponent over five rounds?

• Will Maddalena’s defense hold against one of MMA’s most suffocating grapplers?

Conclusion: A Fight for the Ages, Whether Dana White Likes It or Not

While this matchup might not have been Dana White’s first choice, it’s shaping up to be a historic clash. Two champions, both in their primes, willing to put their legacies on the line in front of a global audience.

Regardless of how we got here, Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena could be one of the defining fights of this era.

As fans await the official word, the excitement continues to build. Will MSG once again be the stage where UFC history is made? Or will a surprise venue elevate this showdown to even greater heights?

One thing is certain—this isn’t the fight Dana White planned. But it might just be the fight the world needs.