UFC 315 has concluded, marking the arrival of a new welterweight champion.
Last Saturday, Jack Della Maddalena secured the most significant victory of his career. He delivered a masterful performance to earn a unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad, thereby claiming the welterweight title.
This week`s questions delve into the key takeaways from the event. Where does “JDM” go from here, and what is the likely trajectory of his reign? What does the flyweight title picture look like after Valentina Shevchenko`s dominant showing against Manon Fiorot? And is the talk of Jose Aldo`s retirement truly final?
Outlook for Jack Della Maddalena`s Welterweight Reign
Predicting the duration of Jack Della Maddalena`s (JDM) championship tenure is challenging, and much will depend on the outcome of his initial title defense.
Islam Makhachev is widely expected to be JDM`s first opponent for the belt. This is a matchup with a highly uncertain outcome. Early instincts might lean towards Makhachev, given his status as a top pound-for-pound fighter whose overall skills theoretically pose a greater challenge than Belal Muhammad, whom JDM just defeated in a competitive contest. However, JDM is visibly improving with each fight, showcased significantly enhanced wrestling defense against Muhammad, and possesses a striking skillset that could trouble Makhachev. Consequently, betting heavily on either fighter at this stage seems unwise.
Even if JDM successfully defends against Makhachev, the challenges don`t diminish. The welterweight division is currently loaded with incredible rising talents. Della Maddalena would face a formidable series of contenders, potentially including Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Sean Brady, or Joaquin Buckley. Furthermore, promising fighters like Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are also ascending the ranks. The 170-pound weight class is a difficult landscape right now, making it improbable for any champion to clear out the entire division unopposed for long.
Divisional Fallout at 170 and 155 Pounds
Far from creating a “mess,” Jack Della Maddalena`s victory has actually brought a degree of clarity to the welterweight (170 lbs) and lightweight (155 lbs) divisions, even if it`s not the optimal outcome for everyone.
Islam Makhachev is slated to challenge JDM for the welterweight championship later in the year, likely during a UFC event in Australia or Abu Dhabi. With Makhachev moving up, the vacant lightweight title will be contested by Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. It`s reasonable to assume that Arman Tsarukyan will face Justin Gaethje relatively soon for a shot at the winner of that lightweight championship bout.
In the welterweight division, Ian Machado Garry and Sean Brady are likely candidates to face each other next. The winner of the upcoming fight between Joaquin Buckley and Kamaru Usman will probably secure the next shot against Belal Muhammad. Shavkat Rakhmonov`s immediate future is the main question mark, but he might opt to wait and challenge the winner of the Islam vs. JDM title fight early next year.
Of course, the UFC could always opt for a less conventional path. If Ilia Topuria defeats Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev defeats Jack Della Maddalena, the potential for a Makhachev vs. Topuria superfight for the welterweight title could become highly anticipated. Should the UFC finalize a new television rights deal, a high-profile bout like Makhachev vs. Topuria next year could serve as a major event. While such a matchup would significantly impact the contenders waiting in line, it`s a scenario that can`t be ruled out and one that many fans might prioritize.
Alexa Grasso and the Flyweight Division`s Future
Alexa Grasso experienced a difficult night at UFC 315, leading to discussions about her career trajectory and whether her previous championship win should be viewed as an outlier.
It`s important to note that Grasso`s victory over Shevchenko was not a fluke. However, the recent result suggests it might not have been the most statistically probable outcome over multiple encounters. Grasso was prepared and executed her game plan effectively on the night she won, which is a testament to her skill and preparation. The situation underscores the extreme difficulty of consistently defending a title in MMA, as every challenger is highly motivated and specifically trained to exploit any vulnerability.
Regarding Grasso`s next steps, her options appear limited. Returning to strawweight (115 lbs) might be challenging, and she would likely be undersized at bantamweight (135 lbs), effectively keeping her at flyweight. However, with a new wave of talent emerging in the division, she might find herself serving as a test for aspiring contenders.
As for Taila Santos (referred to as Silva in the text), her performance at UFC 315 was impressive, solidifying her position as a likely future force in the flyweight division. While predicting a victory over Shevchenko in a potential rematch is premature, it`s certainly within Santos`s capability. Taila Santos and Erin Blanchfield are widely expected to be key figures in the division for years to come, potentially engaging in multiple title contests.
For the immediate future, a highly anticipated superfight between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili, featuring two of the sport`s greatest female athletes, appears to be the most compelling next step.
Is Jose Aldo`s Retirement Permanent?
Speculation suggests that Jose Aldo`s recent comments might not signal a definitive end to his fighting career.
Following a controversial decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi last Saturday, the UFC Hall of Famer indicated that it was “probably” his final appearance in the octagon. He later adjusted this statement, saying it “may have been my last time.” This less-than-absolute phrasing suggests the door is still open. It`s plausible that Aldo was expressing frustration, particularly concerning the UFC`s recent handling of his fights. Matching him against less prominent fighters like Mario Bautista and Zahabi after a significant fight in Rio against Jonathan Martinez might have made it difficult for the legendary fighter to find peak motivation. His acknowledgment of a mental hurdle impacting his weight cut further supports the idea that he struggled to fully invest in fights against less-renowned opponents rather than legacy-defining matchups. Adding to his frustration is the fact that his last two losses were perceived as questionable decisions.
After taking time to reflect, Aldo may conclude that he isn`t finished with fighting entirely, but perhaps only with competing in less meaningful bouts. If the UFC offers him a compelling, high-profile opportunity – such as a major fight in Rio against a significant opponent like Patricio Pitbull – it`s quite possible he would reconsider his retirement.
Hopefully, he finds the motivation for another significant challenge.
