Mendez agrees with Makhachev on former five-time defending UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) being the ideal first title defense.

Topping the bill is the eagerly anticipated welterweight title fight between champion Jack Della Maddalena and challenger Islam Makhachev, who has moved up from lightweight to try to claim a second belt. The co-main event features another titanic clash ...

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev revealed his unwavering loyalty to mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, stating he would retire immediately if Khabib advised him to. Makhachev considers the former undefeated champion his older brother and guiding force,

After claiming the 170-pound belt from Belal Muhammad in May, Della Maddalena will need an underdog triumph to extend his winning streak to 19 fights. Makhachev, meanwhile, moves up after setting the record for most consecutive 155-pound title defenses,