Welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena believes it is highly probable that Islam Makhachev will challenge for the title later in the year.
Della Maddalena recently claimed the welterweight belt by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in Montreal. Following this victory, Makhachev, who was previously the lightweight champion, relinquished his title to focus on competing in the welterweight division (170 lbs) and challenging for that belt.
The Australian champion has now reiterated that his initial title defense is expected to be against Makhachev. Having set records for lightweight title defenses, Makhachev is now looking to make history in a new weight class.
Della Maddalena Hints Strongly at Makhachev Bout
Speaking on the Back Chat Studios podcast recently, Della Maddalena discussed his plans as the new champion. While a specific date wasn`t mentioned, he expressed confidence that Makhachev would be his next opponent and shared his excitement for the challenging matchup.
“It`s going to be Makhachev, I`m almost certain,” he stated when asked about his next fight, adding that it felt like an opportunity to “get it back for Volk,” referencing his countryman Alexander Volkanovski`s past challenges against Makhachev.
He commented on the potential venue and timing, saying, “Don`t know where at this point, but it will be unreal… I don`t know when it will be but I think Islam is the match and that`s what they [the UFC] want to do. He had a good run at lightweight, he`s keen to try and capture a second belt so that`s the fight they`re keen to make.”
Regarding the location, he mentioned, “Where it will happen, I`m not sure. The UFC are coming here [Perth] but I think it`s just going to be a fight night. I don`t know where they`ll go with that but we`ll see what happens.”
Makhachev Relinquishes Lightweight Title for Welterweight Pursuit
Although not officially announced beforehand, the outcome of the Della Maddalena vs. Muhammad fight effectively influenced the lightweight title picture. Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria had previously considered moving up, seemingly targeting a fight with Makhachev.
However, Makhachev felt he had sufficiently defended his lightweight title against opponents moving up, particularly after two bouts with Volkanovski. Consequently, Topuria has vacated his featherweight belt and is now scheduled to face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 during International Fight Week.
UFC President Dana White confirmed these developments during a recent Instagram live session, stating, “Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is going to move up to the welterweight division to face Jack Della Maddalena.
White elaborated on the matchup`s appeal: “What do we all love about Islam? If he had moved up to fight Belal he was a 5/1 favorite. Moving up to fight Jack the oddsmakers have this fight at even. This guy is a beast, this fight is the f—ing best.”
He also addressed Della Maddalena`s condition after his last fight: “Jack is coming off a bunch of damage in that fight so he`s accepted the fight I`ll let you guys know when I pick a time and date but that fight is definitely happening.”
Percy Harlow