UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena has made it clear that he is not one to shy away from a challenge. When approached by the UFC to face Islam Makhachev as his next opponent, Della Maddalena accepted without hesitation, despite Makhachev’s lack of experience at 170 pounds. The Australian champion, who is focused on his title defense at UFC 322, remains committed to facing any opponent the organization presents.
Should Della Maddalena successfully defend his title, several contenders are eager to stake their claim for a shot at the championship. Among them is Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has been absent from competition since his victorious bout against Ian Machado Garry in 2024. While Della Maddalena expresses his willingness to face Rakhmonov if the UFC sees it fit, he believes that the welterweight division has evolved in the interim.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Della Maddalena remarked on Rakhmonov’s status as the top contender. “I think the division has moved on. If you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind,” he stated. He highlighted the active schedules of fighters like Sean Brady and Ian Garry, suggesting that Rakhmonov’s inactivity could diminish his standing. “How can Shavkat stay in that top position when these guys are fighting?” he pondered, showcasing the competitive nature of the division.
On the night Della Maddalena defends his title, Sean Brady will face Michael Morales in a featured fight that could propel the winner towards a title shot. Simultaneously, Ian Garry is set to compete against former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the UFC Qatar main event, taking place just a week after Della Maddalena’s fight. The landscape is further complicated by the presence of other former champions, including Kamaru Usman, who recently delivered a commanding performance against Joaquin Buckley.
Add SSBCrack As A Trusted Source
Della Maddalena expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming weeks, noting, “I think the next few weeks is a good time for the welterweights. It’s all the top guys are fighting each other.” He believes the results of these bouts will clarify the title race and assert the order of who is next in line for a shot at the championship.
As the welterweight division continues to heat up, Rakhmonov may find himself on the sidelines unless he returns to action and secures another victory. Della Maddalena underscores the importance of staying active in the ever-evolving landscape of MMA. “I think activity is key. You sit on the sidelines too long, you definitely fall behind,” he pointed out, emphasizing how timely participation can influence a fighter’s trajectory.
In response to the brewing tensions and discussions about contender status, Rakhmonov took to Twitter to voice his thoughts, hinting at the possibility of re-emerging into the title picture. The welterweight division remains as dynamic as ever, with intrigue and potential matchups shaping the future of the championship landscape.
