Jack Della Maddalena is aware of beating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 not solely makes him welterweight champion however it additionally sends a possible shockwave by the remainder of the division.
An enormous purpose why that would occur entails UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, who has overtly acknowledged his need to ultimately win a second world title however by no means on the expense of Muhammad, who’s his good friend and frequent teammate. However Della Maddalena claiming the title adjustments every thing and even the Aussie born slugger acknowledges Makhachev as in all probability essentially the most compelling contender as a possible challenger to the belt.
“I believe so [he’s deserving],” Della Maddalena informed MMA Combating about Makhachev. “My ideas are I believe the double champ factor, it shouldn’t be a factor when you haven’t defended your belt. That might be my opinion. I believe Islam deserves a shot if he comes up.”
Makhachev hasn’t simply defended his title however he really maintain the file for many title defenses at light-weight with 4 in a row.
That mentioned, Makhachev nonetheless has potential matchups awaiting him at light-weight however Della Maddalena acknowledges that some fights supersede rankings, which is why a champion versus champion showdown seems like a whole lot of enjoyable to him.
“I believe nobody would have an issue,” Della Maddalena mentioned. “I’m positive it might be an annoying spot for Shavkat [Rakhmonov] however that’s the factor in regards to the double-champ, it clearly throws off a division. That’s why it shouldn’t occur on a regular basis however with Islam, I believe it is sensible.’
Makhachev shifting as much as 170 kilos and getting an instantaneous title shot would virtually actually rock the boat for the opposite contenders ready in line — a listing that features Shavkat Rakhmonov, Sean Brady and Ian Machado Garry.
Whereas Della Maddalena understands how irritating that may be for them, he believes finding out the pecking order with a few extra fights ought to really remedy any confusion and if Makhachev isn’t prepared, he’ll take the subsequent man in line.
“It’s tight. It’s actual tight,” Della Maddalena mentioned. “Shavkat’s clearly [No. 1], hopefully he’s able to go. I believe he’s clearly the clear No. 1 contender however the extra he stays out for, one other No. 1 contender will clearly present up. I really feel like after the Sean Brady struggle, it appeared fairly apparent that he was the No. 1 man if Shavkat wasn’t round. Now you’ve received Ian.
“They’ve received to struggle one another. We’ve received to maintain the division shifting. Hopefully somebody’s able to go quickly after this struggle. Hopefully inside eight weeks after this struggle, we will get one other welterweight title struggle going.”
After spending greater than a yr out of motion following an arm damage suffered in his win over Gilbert Burns again in 2024, Della Maddalena is anxious to face Muhammad on Saturday, win the title after which make a fast turnaround to compete once more. In reality with Garry touring to Montreal to function the backup to the principle occasion, Della Maddalena is comfortable to kill two birds with one stone.
“I reckon line him up,” Della Maddalena mentioned about Garry. “He’s made the journey. After I beat Belal, wrap his arms and ship him on the market.”
All jokes apart, Della Maddalena needs to remain busy as champion however identical to acknowledging the magnitude of a possible struggle in opposition to Makhachev, the 28-year-old Australian gained’t flip down the possibility to probably defend his belt at dwelling if that chance arises.
“I want to keep lively,” Della Maddalena mentioned. “Clearly if it got here to Perth, I might have to consider if I wish to wait it … we’ll see what occurs. When you might get Shavkat in Perth, that will be superior.
“[The fight against Makhachev] has a little bit of a narrative. Clearly the [Alexander Volkanovski]-Makhachev first struggle was in Perth. I believe a whole lot of the Perth crowd positively would have left that feeling a bit bitter. So that will be coming again for a little bit of revenge.”
Regardless of the case, Della Maddalena isn’t going to begin reserving any journey plans till after he will get by Muhammad at UFC 315.
“It’s thrilling occasions,” Della Maddalena mentioned. “I believe the division’s in a great place however a bit of labor to do. I’m centered completely on dispatching of Belal Muhammad.”
