Jack Della Maddalena understands that defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 wouldn`t just make him the welterweight champion; it could also significantly alter the landscape of the entire division.
A major factor behind this potential shift is UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has expressed interest in becoming a two-division champion in the future, but previously stated he wouldn`t challenge his friend and training partner, Belal Muhammad. However, Della Maddalena winning the belt changes this dynamic, and even the Australian fighter acknowledges Makhachev as perhaps the most compelling future challenger for the title.
“I think so, he’s deserving,” Della Maddalena told MMA Fighting regarding Makhachev. “My view is that the double-champ concept shouldn’t happen if you haven’t defended your original belt. That`s my take. I believe Islam deserves a shot if he decides to move up.”
Makhachev hasn`t just defended his title; he holds the record for most lightweight title defenses with four consecutive wins.
Despite potential future lightweight matchups, Della Maddalena recognizes that some fights transcend rankings, which is why a champion-versus-champion clash sounds particularly exciting to him.
“I don’t think anyone would object,” Della Maddalena said. “I’m sure it would put Shavkat [Rakhmonov] in an awkward spot, but that’s the nature of the double-champ pursuit – it clearly disrupts a division. That’s why it shouldn`t be commonplace, but with Islam, I think it makes sense.”
Makhachev moving up to 170 pounds and receiving an immediate title opportunity would undoubtedly cause ripples among other contenders waiting for their shot – a list that includes Shavkat Rakhmonov, Sean Brady, and Ian Machado Garry.
While Della Maddalena understands their potential frustration, he believes that clarifying the hierarchy through a few more fights should resolve any confusion. If Makhachev isn`t ready, he`s prepared to face the next fighter in line.
“It’s a tight situation, very tight,” Della Maddalena stated. “Shavkat is clearly [No. 1]; hopefully, he`s ready soon. I see him as the definite No. 1 contender, but the longer he`s sidelined, another contender will inevitably emerge. After the Sean Brady fight, it seemed quite obvious he was the top guy if Shavkat wasn`t available. Now you have Ian.”
“They need to compete against each other. We must keep the division progressing. Hopefully, someone is prepared to step up soon after this upcoming fight. Ideally, we could see another welterweight title fight within eight weeks of this one.”
After more than a year away from competition due to an arm injury sustained in his 2024 victory over Gilbert Burns, Della Maddalena is eager to face Muhammad this Saturday, claim the title, and then quickly return to fight again. He’s even happy to potentially face Garry, who is traveling to Montreal to serve as the backup fighter for the main event.
“I say line him up,” Della Maddalena remarked about Garry. “He’s made the journey. After I defeat Belal, we can wrap Garry’s hands and send him out there.”
Joking aside, Della Maddalena wants to maintain an active schedule as champion. Just as he acknowledges the significance of a potential bout against Makhachev, the 28-year-old Australian isn’t ruling out the chance to defend his belt at home in Perth if the opportunity arises.
“I’d prefer to stay active,” Della Maddalena said. “Obviously, if it meant fighting in Perth, I’d have to consider whether I’m willing to wait for that… we’ll see how things unfold. Getting Shavkat to fight in Perth would be fantastic.”
“[The fight against Makhachev] carries some narrative weight. Remember, the first [Alexander Volkanovski] vs. Makhachev fight was in Perth. I think many in the Perth crowd might have felt a bit disappointed after that. So, a rematch there could feel like seeking a bit of revenge.”
Regardless of future possibilities, Della Maddalena isn’t planning any travel or booking any opponents until he successfully gets past Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
“These are exciting times,” Della Maddalena concluded. “I believe the division is in a good place, but there’s still work to be done. My complete focus is on decisively beating Belal Muhammad.”
Marcus Blakely