Jack Della Maddalena is relatively fresh in the title scene after defeating former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad back in May.
In doing so, he became just the third Australian to hold a UFC belt in the history of the promotion.
His first defence will come against Makhachev, who is moving up to challenge the Perth-native after vacating the lightweight strap that he defended four times.
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Speaking to ESPN in a recent video posted to their YouTube channel, the Dagestani phenom outlined his best path to victory as he looks to claim his second belt.
"A lot of guys take [Della Maddalena] down, I think all of his opponents in UFC take him down," he said.
"His striking is good, his boxing is very good and his wrestling is not so good."
Makhachev is the protégé of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has overseen his camp and the transition from 155 to 170 pounds.
The 34-year-old was not shy in revealing the gameplan that his mentor's set out for him when preparing for this matchup.
"It’s not secret, [Khabib] told me, ‘try to take him down and make him tired,’" said Makhachev.
"I think I can finish him on the ground; I can choke him or do an armbar or something."
When asked about the threat that Della Maddalena poses on the feet, Makhachev was dismissive in his assessment.
"He’s not some guy who has crazy power and he’s not so big for this division," said Makhachev.
"I don’t think Jack has more [power] than me."
In his eight-fight UFC career, Della Maddalena has five finishes, four of those coming by way of knockout.
He'll be carrying extra venom in his fists for this bout as he looks to avenge his countryman and now teammate Alex Volkanovski, who fell short on two occasions against Makhachev.
The fight goes down on Sunday, November 16 at the infamous Madison Square Garden in New York City.