Khabib's poisoned barb to Topuria: "Della Maddalena is Makhachev's toughest rival"

One of the most anticipated fights in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is very close to being finalized. Dagestani Islam Makhachev, who vacated his UFC lightweight belt to challenge for the next division up, welterweight, is starting to target November .

Current champion Jack Della Maddalena will put his world title on the line against Makhachev, who broke the record for most title defenses at 155 pounds (70.1 kilos) and will now seek to become a double welterweight champion at 170 pounds (77 kilos). In this context, one of the sport's greatest legends, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's coach, recently spoke out.

In an interview on the 'Hustle Show' podcast, Nurmagomedov noted that the Della Maddalena fight is the toughest challenge Makhachev has ever faced in his career. "I think Jack Della Maddalena is the toughest opponent of Islam's career. That's my opinion. Not Oliveira or anyone else. None of those other fighters," the Russian noted.

But he also mentioned Topuria, an inevitable question given that it's a fight all fans want to see at some point, as he's ranked number one and two in the pound-for-pound rankings. "He's twice Ilia's size. Taller, bigger. Stronger legs, bigger body... his boxing is just as good. And in wrestling, he moves very well. If I were preparing Islam to fight Ilia or JDM, I'd be more worried, and I'm more worried about JDM. Much more," Khabib noted, taking a dig at the Spanish-Georgian.

UFC CEO Dana White has left the door open to the possibility of this fight happening in the future, but it will first require Makhachev to secure a victory over Della Maddalena in a match that is expected to be the main event of November's numbered event at Madison Square Garden in New York.