Jack Della Maddalena understands that defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 means not only claiming the welterweight championship but also potentially causing significant shifts within the weight class.
A major factor in this potential shift involves UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who has expressed interest in pursuing a second world title, though explicitly stating he wouldn`t challenge his friend and teammate, Belal Muhammad. However, Della Maddalena winning the title changes this dynamic, and even the Australian fighter recognizes Makhachev as a highly compelling potential opponent for the belt.
“I believe he is deserving,” Della Maddalena stated regarding Makhachev. “My perspective is that holding two belts shouldn’t be allowed if you haven’t defended your original title. That’s just my view. But I think Islam deserves a shot if he moves up.”
Makhachev hasn`t just defended his title; he actually holds the record for the most defenses in the lightweight division, with four consecutive successful defenses.
Despite potential matchups remaining for Makhachev at lightweight, Della Maddalena acknowledges that some fights transcend rankings, which is why a champion-versus-champion confrontation appeals to him.
“I don’t think anyone would have an issue,” Della Maddalena commented. “I’m sure it would be a frustrating situation for Shavkat [Rakhmonov], but that’s the nature of double-champ fights – they disrupt a division. That’s why it shouldn’t happen frequently, but with Islam, I think it’s logical.”
Makhachev moving up to the 170-pound division and receiving an immediate title opportunity would almost certainly upset the established order for other waiting contenders, a group including Shavkat Rakhmonov, Sean Brady, and Ian Machado Garry.
While Della Maddalena understands their potential frustration, he believes that allowing a few more fights to play out should help clarify the hierarchy, and if Makhachev isn`t prepared, he`ll gladly face the next eligible contender.
“It’s a tight situation. Really tight,” Della Maddalena remarked. “Shavkat is clearly [the] number one, hopefully he’s ready. I think he’s obviously the undisputed number one contender, but the longer he remains inactive, another top contender will inevitably emerge. After the Sean Brady fight, it seemed quite clear that he was the primary contender if Shavkat wasn’t available. Now you have Ian.” He added, “They need to compete against each other. We need to keep the division progressing. Hopefully, someone is ready to go shortly after this fight. Ideally, within eight weeks, we can schedule another welterweight title defense.”
Having been sidelined for over a year due to an arm injury sustained in his 2024 win over Gilbert Burns, Della Maddalena is eager to face Muhammad this Saturday, claim the title, and then make a quick return to competition. In fact, with Garry traveling to Montreal as the backup fighter for the main event, Della Maddalena sees an opportunity to address two potential opponents.
“I say line him up,” Della Maddalena commented on Garry. “He made the journey. After I beat Belal, we can wrap his hands and send him into the cage.”
Joking aside, Della Maddalena wants to remain an active champion. However, just as he acknowledges the significance of a potential fight against Makhachev, the 28-year-old Australian won`t pass up the opportunity to potentially defend his belt on home soil if that possibility arises.
“I’d like to stay active,” Della Maddalena stated. “Obviously, if the opportunity came to Perth, I would need to consider if I want to wait… we’ll see what happens. Getting Shavkat in Perth would be incredible.”
He noted about the potential fight against Makhachev, “It carries a bit of a narrative. Of course, the first [Alexander Volkanovski]–Makhachev fight took place in Perth. I believe many in the Perth crowd definitely felt somewhat disappointed after that. So, this could be a chance for a bit of revenge.”
Regardless of future plans, Della Maddalena isn’t making any travel arrangements until after he successfully navigates his fight against Muhammad at UFC 315.
“These are exciting times,” Della Maddalena concluded. “I think the division is in a strong position, but there’s still work ahead. My complete focus is on decisively defeating Belal Muhammad.”
