Nurmagomedov was present during a speaking engagement Saturday night in New York, where he revealed Makhachev’s plans.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: UFC Fight Night Taira vs. Park free live stream results & highlights<\/a><\/p>\n BREAKING NEWS: Khabib Nurmagomedov confirms Islam Makhachev will MAIN EVENT against Jack Della Maddalena at #ufc322<\/a> #Khabib<\/a> #IslamMakhachev<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3oJ23a5BVE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 The Cornell Combat Sports Show (@theMMMApodcast) August 3, 2025<\/a> Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Khabib Nurmagomedov ringside during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images \/ Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n “This is his deal with the UFC,” Nurmagomedov said. “I don’t deal with the UFC. This is his problem, but we have [a] deal with them where he’s gonna fight at Madison Square Garden and they said yes.”<\/p>\n The crowd erupted upon hearing the announcement, as the promotion has yet to confirm or deny Nurmagomedov’s claims.<\/p>\n If the fight were to proceed, it would see Makhachev move up to welterweight after he had opted to vacate the lightweight belt following his UFC 311 win against Renato Moicano in January.<\/a> Meanwhile, Della Maddalena played spoiler to the promotion’s original idea to have Ilia Topuria fight Makhachev when he upset Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 to become the new champion.<\/p>\n As for when the fight could take place in November, the promotion has publicly announced one date-location combo: Nov. 22 in Qatar<\/a>, which leaves a few options open.<\/p>\n Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; A general view of the Octagon while Giga Chikadze (red gloves) fights David Onama (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images \/ William Purnell-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Like in years past, the UFC has to adjust to the respective fall sports calendar, which sees the New York Rangers travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Blue Jackets Saturday, Nov. 15<\/a>. Therefore, this leaves MSG open for that date to host the fight if the UFC opts to pick it.<\/p>\n For now, though, only time will tell. However, it seems as if the wheels are beginning to turn regarding the UFC’s intentions.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0French fighter gets chance at UFC Paris redemption against viral KO artist<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Teddy Atlas names UFC’s best boxer and praises Alex Pereira\u2019s ‘beautiful’ left hook<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0‘Needs to be stopped’ Doctor speaks out against Dana White’s Power Slap<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Dominick Reyes reflects on Jon Jones fight and what the judges missed<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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