Jack Della Maddalena is eager to face Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title.
Maddalena is set to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315 next month. It`s been widely speculated that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is waiting to see the outcome of this fight to decide his next move. Makhachev is a friend of Muhammad and would likely not move up to welterweight if Muhammad wins. However, if Maddalena is victorious, it is believed Makhachev will be first in line to challenge him, a prospect Maddalena welcomes.
“That would be great,” Maddalena mentioned on the Grin Reapers YouTube channel. “Especially in Perth. That would add an interesting storyline, with the Volk [revenge] aspect. We`ll see what happens. First, I need to get past Belal, and then I believe opportunities will arise.”
Volkanovski has a significant history with Makhachev, having lost to him in two lightweight title bouts in 2023. While Maddalena and Volkanovski are not from the same training camp, they are both Australian and have trained together, most recently when Volkanovski was preparing for his UFC 314 title fight against Diego Lopes. Maddalena holds Volkanovski in high regard and recognizes his importance to Australian sport.
“In my opinion, and I might be biased as an Australian, he might be Australia’s greatest athlete,” Maddalena stated. “He’s definitely in the conversation. Perhaps if he hadn`t won his last fight, he wouldn`t be in that discussion, but after that win, you have to include him.”
Maddalena will headline UFC 315 against Belal Muhammad on May 10 at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
