Jack Della Maddalena has firmly established himself as a formidable force in the welterweight division. On May 11, 2025, at UFC 315 in Montreal, he dethroned reigning champion Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), capturing the welterweight title in a commanding performance.
Following his victory, Della Maddalena set his sights on a new challenge: Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion. In a post-fight interview, Della Maddalena expressed his desire to avenge his compatriot Alexander Volkanovski's losses to Makhachev, stating, "I think it's a beautiful challenge, you know. He's Pound-4-Pound No.1 and I'm gonna get him back for Volk."
Makhachev, who has successfully defended his lightweight title four times, including two victories over Volkanovski in 2023, has previously expressed interest in moving up to the welterweight division. However, his close friendship with Belal Muhammad had been a deterrent. With Muhammad no longer holding the title, the path appears clearer for Makhachev to pursue a second championship.
Della Maddalena's ascent in the UFC has been marked by resilience and skill. After joining the organization in 2022, he amassed a 7-0 record, including a notable third-round knockout of Gilbert Burns at UFC 299. His victory over Muhammad, a fighter renowned for his grappling prowess and strategic acumen, showcased Della Maddalena's ability to neutralize takedown attempts and dominate in striking exchanges.
Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev: A Potential Thriller Matchup
The potential matchup between Della Maddalena and Makhachev promises to be a thrilling contest, pitting the Australian's striking expertise against the Dagestani's grappling dominance. As the UFC continues to evolve, such cross-divisional bouts highlight the dynamic nature of the sport and the relentless pursuit of greatness by its athletes.
For fans and analysts alike, the prospect of Della Maddalena facing Makhachev adds an exciting narrative to the welterweight division. Should this bout materialize, it would not only be a test of skill and strategy but also a symbolic attempt to avenge past defeats and solidify legacies within the UFC.
