Welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena understands the significant impact a victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 would have, not only securing him the championship but also potentially sending shockwaves through the division.
A major factor in this disruption involves UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has openly stated his ambition to claim a second world title, though he previously maintained he wouldn`t challenge his friend and training partner, Belal Muhammad. Della Maddalena winning the title, however, changes this dynamic. The Australian fighter acknowledges that Makhachev would likely be the most compelling challenger should he move up to welterweight.
“I think so [he’s deserving],” Della Maddalena stated regarding Makhachev`s potential shot. “My thoughts are I think the double champ thing, it shouldn’t be a thing if you haven’t defended your belt… I think Islam deserves a shot if he comes up.” He noted that Makhachev has more than met this condition, holding the record for most lightweight title defenses with four.
While Makhachev still has potential matchups at lightweight, Della Maddalena believes some fights, like a champion-versus-champion showdown, transcend standard rankings and would be exciting. He admits a potential title shot for Makhachev moving up to 170 pounds would likely be disruptive for other contenders waiting, including Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“I’m sure it would be an annoying spot for Shavkat,” Della Maddalena said. “But that’s the thing about the double-champ, it obviously throws off a division. That’s why it shouldn’t happen all the time but with Islam, I think it makes sense.” He recognized that this move would upset the queue for fighters like Rakhmonov, Sean Brady, and Ian Machado Garry.
Della Maddalena sympathizes with the frustration but feels that contenders fighting each other should help clarify the divisional hierarchy. He sees Shavkat Rakhmonov as the “clear No. 1 contender” provided he is ready to fight, but adds that inactivity allows others to step forward. He stressed the importance of keeping the division active, hoping for another welterweight title fight soon after his bout with Muhammad.
Having been sidelined for over a year due to an arm injury, Della Maddalena is eager to face Muhammad, win the title, and make a quick return to the octagon. He`s even open to fighting Ian Garry relatively soon, acknowledging Garry`s presence as a backup fighter for UFC 315. Della Maddalena wants to be an active champion and is also keen on the possibility of defending his belt in Perth, Australia, mentioning the appeal of a home fight against Shavkat or even a `revenge` match against Makhachev, referencing Alexander Volkanovski`s loss to Islam in Perth.
Despite looking ahead at potential challenges and venues, Della Maddalena remains entirely focused on his immediate task: defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. He sees the welterweight division as being in a strong, albeit somewhat complicated, state.
