Jack Della Maddalena knows that she will not only defeat Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 to become Welterweight Champion, but will also send potential shock waves throughout the rest of the department.
A big reason for this could happen is related to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Islamic Makachev openly states his desire to ultimately win a second world title, but does not sacrifice his friend and frequently teammate Muhammad. But Della Madrena, who argues that the title changes everything, admits that even the Australian-born slugger, McAchev is perhaps the most convincing candidate for the belt.
“I think so (he deserves it),” Della Madalena told MMA he was fighting Makhachev. “My idea is to be a double champion. If you’re not protecting your belt, it shouldn’t be something. That’s my opinion. Islam deserves a shot if he appears.”
Makhachev not only defended the title, but in reality he holds a record of most title defenses with four consecutive lightweights.
That being said, Makhachev still has a potential matchup waiting for him, and Della Madarena realizes that some fights will replace the rankings. So the showdown between the champion and the champion sounds like a lot of fun to him.
“I don’t think anyone has any problems,” Della Maddalena said. “I am sure it will be a nuisance for Shabkat (Rakmonov), but that is a double champ.
Makachev travels to 170 pounds and immediately wins a title shot will almost certainly rock the boat for other candidates waiting in line.
Della Maddalena realizes how frustrating it can be for them, but he believes that sorting out the hierarchy in a few more fights should actually solve the confusion.
“It’s tough. It’s really tight,” Della Madarena said. “Shavkat is clearly (No. 1), hopefully ready. I think he is clearly a clear No. 1 candidate, but the more he stays, the more a different No. 1 candidate will clearly appear.
“They have to fight each other. We have to keep the department moving. Hopefully someone is ready to go right after this fight.
After taking action over a year after an arm injury in her 2024 victory over Gilbert Burns, Della Madarena is eager to face Muhammad on Saturday to win the title and quickly turn around and compete again. In fact, as Garry travels to Montreal as a backup for the main event, Della Madalena is delighted to kill two birds with one stone.
“I think I’ll line him up,” Della Madarena said of Garry. “He traveled. After I defeated the Beral, I’ll wrap his hand and send him there.”
All jokes aside, Della Madarena wants to be busy as a champion, but just like acknowledging the magnitude of her potential battle with Makhachev, the 28-year-old Australian won’t refuse a chance to defend her belt at home if the opportunity arises.
“I want to continue working,” Della Madarena said. “Obviously, if I come to Perth, if I want to wait for it, we’ll have to see what happens. If we can get a shabcut in Perth, it would be great.
“There’s a bit of a story about (the battle with Makhachev). Clearly (Alexander Volkanovsky) – Makhachev’s first battle was in Perth. I think a lot of the Perth crowd definitely left a bitter feeling.
In any case, Della Maddalena will not begin booking travel plans until she passes Muhammad at UFC 315.
“It’s an exciting time,” Della Madarena said. “The department is in a good place, but I think there’s a bit of work to do. I’m totally focused on the Beral Muhammad dispatch.”