Potential Future Matchups After UFC 315 Main Event
UFC 315’s main event delivered in a big way as Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad squared off for the Welterweight title. Despite Belal entering as the favorite, Jack executed his game plan to perfection, maintaining distance with crisp striking and stuffing most of Belal’s takedown attempts. With a new champion at the top of the division, what does this mean for the future of Welterweight and other weight classes? Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing matchups that could be on the horizon.
Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena
This is the most likely fight to happen next in the Welterweight Division. Islam Makhachev made it clear before UFC 315 that if his friend Belal lost the belt, he would move up from Lightweight to challenge for Welterweight gold. Now that scenario has become reality, and an official announcement could be coming soon. Stylistically, this is a fascinating clash between a striker and a grappler. JDM’s sharp stand-up game would be tested against one of the UFC’s most dominant ground specialists. Islam isn’t just a grappler, though — he boasts a strong submission arsenal and underrated kickboxing. It would be a compelling matchup with high stakes for both fighters’ legacies.
Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
If Islam does move up to Welterweight, the Lightweight Division could find itself without a champion. That opens the door for a blockbuster matchup between title contender Charles Oliveira, fresh off a decision win over Michael Chandler, and Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his Featherweight title to chase gold at 155 pounds. This potential fight would be a fan favorite. Both Oliveira and Topuria are dynamic, well-rounded finishers with reputations for putting on exciting fights. Likely to headline UFC 317, this would be one of the biggest fights of the year, pitting elite grappling, dangerous striking, and proven finishing ability against one another in a high-stakes bout.
Conclusion
The fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Belal Muhammad didn’t just shake up the Welterweight Division — it sent shockwaves through the entire UFC landscape. With Islam Makhachev likely moving up in weight, a massive title fight at Welterweight seems imminent. Meanwhile, the Lightweight Division could be on the verge of crowning a new champion. Fans should buckle up, because the next few months promise some of the UFC’s most exciting matchups yet.
