Jack Della Maddalena is making waves in the UFC, with other champions already taking notice of his skills.
The welterweight main event at UFC 315 had implications for the lightweight title scene, as fans eagerly await a headliner for International Fight Week in late June. Current lightweight champion and Uncrowned’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Islam Makhachev, has been eyeing a second title at 170 pounds. However, his friendship and occasional training partnership with Belal Muhammad could have delayed his plans if Muhammad emerged victorious on Saturday night.
After Della Maddalena, 28, defeated Muhammad via unanimous decision, Makhachev wasted no time in sharing his thoughts on social media, urging the Aussie to “keep my belt clean.”
Despite his recent championship win, Della Maddalena is ready for any challenge that comes his way.
“Islam has definitely earned the opportunity to move up in weight class if he desires,” Della Maddalena commented after the fight at Montreal’s Bell Centre. “But ultimately, it’s up to the UFC to make that decision.”
“I see this as a great warm-up for Islam. It’s been a good run, but this is just the beginning. I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
Della Maddalena’s victory could potentially open the door for Makhachev to pursue his goal. Makhachev, 33, already holds the record for most consecutive title defenses in the lightweight division during his 15-fight win streak, which also stands as the second-longest win streak in UFC history.
Although Muhammad put up a tough fight with his 11-fight unbeaten streak, Della Maddalena was prepared for the challenge.
“I knew it was going to be a tough battle,” Della Maddalena admitted. “He’s a skilled fighter with a strong wrestling background. I was ready for a hard-fought match.”
The fight went down to the wire, with both fighters showcasing their skills in the final round. Ultimately, Della Maddalena secured a decisive victory, delivering a flurry of punches to his opponent as the fight concluded.
“I was aiming for a knockout,” Della Maddalena revealed. “I wanted to finish strong like in the Gilbert Burns fight. It felt great to finish strong, but I’m always prepared for the unexpected.”
With his impressive performance at UFC 315, Della Maddalena has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, setting the stage for potential future matchups with other top fighters in the promotion.