Khabib Hints At November Date For Islam Vs. JDM

With all roads pointing towards an Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena facing off for the Welterweight title, former UFC Lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has hinted at an November date at Madison Square Garden. The MSG location in November would follow the UFC trend of holding a PPV every year at the iconic venue.

Speaking at the Cornell Combat Sports Show, Khabib said, “I think (JDM V. Islam will take place) here in New York. They promised us. He (Islam Makhachev) is now upset because I give information, but this is his deal with UFC. I don’t deal with UFC. This is his problem, but we have to deal with it. He is gonna fight in Madison Square Garden.”

UFC president Dana White has previously hinted at a potential MSG fight between Makhachev and JDM. Speaking to Helen Yee Sports back in June, White said, “It’s always special when you go into New York and go into The Garden. I think a fight like that would do very well there.”

It seems that JDM and Islam Makhachev are destined to face off in one of the biggest fights of the year at MSG, and it would certainly be a fight worthy of the iconic venue.

For Makhachev, it will be a chance to make history and become part of an illustrious group of double champions. The Dagestani has proven himself to be among the elite in MMA history, with historic wins over the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier at Lightweight. Makhachev has undoubtedly earned his shot at double champ status, and a Welterweight Title would be the crowning achievement of his dominant UFC run.

For JDM, it can be argued that he has not received the respect or attention that he deserves, but a win over Makhachev will cement his name as one of the best and most dangerous fighters in the sport. His title win over Belal Muhammad showed that he has all the necessary tools to compete with Makhachev. The Australian’s striking looked crisp and fast, and his takedown defence and scrambling ability nullified Muhammad’s wrestling.