UFC 315 delivered fireworks — and controversy. With Jack Della Maddalena’s brutal performance against Belal Muhammad, and Islam Makhachev’s prolonged absence from the octagon, fans and analysts alike are asking the uncomfortable question:

Should Islam be stripped of the lightweight title?

It’s not just hype anymore — it’s a legitimate debate.

Let’s break down the chaos, the aftermath, and what comes next in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

Della Maddalena vs Belal Muhammad: Statement Made

Jack Della Maddalena wasn’t just fighting Belal Muhammad — he was fighting for legitimacy. And he may have just earned it with a convincing TKO in the third round, silencing critics who doubted his ground game and ability to handle a grinder like Belal.

Belal, known for his durability and wrestling, simply couldn’t handle the Australian’s precision striking and calm composure under pressure. The loss sets Belal back in the welterweight title picture, while Della Maddalena emerges as a legitimate threat to Leon Edwards or any future champion.

“Give him a title shot,” said UFC commentator Daniel Cormier post-fight. “That was elite-level composure.”

Islam Makhachev: Dominant… But Absent

While the lightweight division continues to evolve with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier circling the throne, Islam Makhachev hasn’t defended his title since October 2023. Injury setbacks and scheduling issues have left the division in a holding pattern — and fans are growing restless.

The UFC has traditionally punished inactive champions (just ask Jamahal Hill or Aljamain Sterling). Now, some fans and even fighters are openly asking:

Should Islam Makhachev be stripped of the lightweight belt?

To be clear, there’s no confirmation of this happening yet. But the optics of a champion sitting out nearly a year, while other killers climb the rankings, is becoming an issue Dana White may have to address soon.

Potential Scenarios: What Happens Next?

Here’s a look at the most likely outcomes moving forward:

Interim Title Fight?

If Makhachev isn’t ready to defend by fall 2025, UFC may book an interim title. The most likely matchup?
Arman Tsarukyan vs Charles Oliveira II — a banger with deep storyline potential.

Islam vs Gaethje or Poirier

Makhachev may still return in time to face the winner of Poirier vs Saint Denis (or even Gaethje, if he re-enters the picture). But every month that passes without a fight booked hurts his momentum.

Welterweight Chaos

With Della Maddalena rising fast, and Colby Covington lingering (somehow), Leon Edwards may soon have more problems than just Shavkat Rakhmonov. Could a Della Maddalena title shot be next? Or does he need one more big win?

Fan Reactions: Twitter Explodes

Following UFC 315, MMA Twitter lit up with hot takes:

“Islam’s holding the division hostage. Strip him or make him fight.”

“Della Maddalena is the real deal. That wasn’t just a win — that was a statement.”

“Belal had his chance, now it’s back to the queue.”

Even former fighters chimed in, with Chael Sonnen tweeting:

“Inactivity kills more careers than knockouts. The clock is ticking, Islam.”

Final Thoughts: Pressure on All Fronts

UFC 315 reminded us that the fight game moves fast — and waits for no one. While Jack Della Maddalena has clearly entered the welterweight title conversation, Islam Makhachev faces a different kind of battle: defending his crown before the court of public opinion decides it’s no longer his.

Whether he returns soon or not, the narrative is shifting. Champions must fight — or risk becoming footnotes.