There are plenty of questions surrounding Jack Della Maddalena as he prepared to move past top contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315. After a year on the sidelines nursing a broken arm, the Aussie standout showed little rust, delivering a dominant title-winning performance over Muhammad. Yet even in victory, Maddalena faced ongoing health hurdles.
Now lined up for a title defense, Maddalena is set to face Islam Makhachev, who has vacated the lightweight title in pursuit of a second belt. No date has been announced, and while Makhachev continues training back home, Maddalena has revealed he’s been dealing with medical complications. He offered a hopeful update, saying his injuries and niggles have significantly improved in recent days, with notable gains in brain clarity and focus as he posted a photo of himself wearing an oxygen mask on Instagram. The big question remains whether he can be fully ready for a Madison Square Garden showdown in November.
Islam Makhachev’s motivation is twofold: he’s chasing a second belt and aiming to avenge the loss of his teammate Belal Muhammad. That adds extra edge to a fight that already has the MMA world buzzing, and the Dagestan standout will likely head into the matchup as the betting favorite. Maddalena, though, is determined to be ready and prove that he can meet the challenge of a seasoned champion at the highest level.
Not everyone is on the same page about how Maddalena will fare. While some view him as a natural welterweight who could struggle with Makhachev’s wrestling, UFC legend Chael Sonnen has suggested there could be a clear path to victory for Maddalena. Sonnen highlighted the importance of the double-leg takedown, noting that if Maddalena can disrupt the body-lock grip and escape effectively, he could turn the tables on Makhachev. Sonnen’s take has added another layer to the debate surrounding the matchup.
Javier Mendez, head coach of MMA lab affiliates, voiced a candid sentiment as well, acknowledging that Maddalena represents a serious challenge and could be Makhachev’s toughest test to date. With both fighters at peak talk and anticipation building for November, fans are eager to see whether Maddalena can close the gap and claim another high-stakes win on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comments as the countdown to Madison Square Garden begins.
Summary: Jack Della Maddalena is targeting a title defense against Islam Makhachev after winning the welterweight title from Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Maddalena has hinted at injury improvements and is aiming to be ready for a November MSG bout, while Makhachev strives for a second belt and to avenge his teammate Muhammad. Chael Sonnen and Javier Mendez weigh in on possible paths and challenges, highlighting wrestling dynamics and Maddalena’s potential as a formidable opponent.
Positive note: The buildup to this matchup underscores Maddalena’s resilience and dedication to returning to peak form, offering fans another high-stakes, could-go-anywhere chapter in MMA’s welterweight story.