Jack Della Maddalena is now the target of the welterweight division after his victory at UFC 315.
He secured the UFC welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad, defying the odds on Saturday. This win has set off a chain of events within the division, including the next move for pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.
Shortly after Della Maddalena’s victory, Makhachev announced his intention to challenge him for a second UFC title. This move was confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White, who revealed that Makhachev had vacated his lightweight title to face Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt later this year.
In an interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Della Maddalena expressed his excitement for the challenge of facing MMA’s pound-for-pound best.
“I think he’s underestimating me, but it doesn’t matter. We will fight, and I’m ready for the challenge,” Della Maddalena said of Makhachev. “The welterweight division has opened up with a lot of good challengers.”
His win over Muhammad was seen as a preparation for the potential matchup with Makhachev, as both fighters have trained together in the past. Della Maddalena plans to train with fellow Aussie Alexander Volkanovski, who has faced Makhachev before, to prepare for the upcoming fight.
If he successfully defends his title against Makhachev, Della Maddalena will have a lineup of contenders waiting for him at 170 pounds. Among them, Shavkat Rakhmonov is considered the rightful next challenger, with an impressive record and undefeated streak.
Despite the significance of winning the belt, Della Maddalena remains focused on the fights ahead, rather than the physical prize.
“The belt doesn’t mean much to me. It’s all about the fights,” Della Maddalena stated. “I believe I can beat the top contenders, and I’m ready to face them all.”
Looking ahead, Della Maddalena is eager to get back in the Octagon soon and is open to a fight as early as August or September to keep the division moving forward.