UFC Gold Doesn’t Mean Anything, Says Jack Della Maddalena Waiting for ‘Killers’ in Welterweight Division

Newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is ready to fight all the top contenders irrespective of the UFC gold. 

UFC Gold Doesn’t Mean Anything, Says Jack Della Maddalena Waiting for ‘Killers’ in Welterweight Division

Jack Della Maddalena doesn't care about the UFC belt and just wants to fight (via X)

In a pool of UFC champions lacking excitement, nobody expected Jack Della Maddalena to emerge as a true refreshing force. At UFC 315, Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision, and became the new UFC welterweight world champion. Against all odds, JDM delivered a great striking performance, and completely outclassed the former champion over five exciting rounds. 

His performance impressed many fans around the world, and he now continues rising and becoming a respected and growing fan favorite. Unlike Muhammad, JDM prefers striking battles, keeping fights exciting and entertaining compared to the wrestling-heavy styles. Recently, in an interview, JDM expressed interest in chasing the biggest possible fights, regardless of championship belts or divisional rankings.

The belt doesn’t really means too much, it’s all about the fights, I feel. Anyone can win on any given night. I think I can beat a lot of top contenders. I will back myself and now it’s time to star knocking them off.

Jack Della Maddalena via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Della Maddalena entered the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series, and now boasts an impressive eighteen-fight win streak overall. Eight of those victories came inside the UFC Octagon, including wins over veterans like Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns. However, his latest win against Muhammad was most impressive one, showcasing the skills and confidence of a potential long-reigning UFC champion.

The last dominant welterweight champion was Kamaru Usman, and since his reign ended, the division has remained highly volatile. Now, the UFC’s 170-pound division is stacked with dangerous contenders, each eagerly waiting for their chance to fight JDM. Top welterweights like Sean Brady, Ian Garry, and Shavkat Rakhmonov all pose serious threats to the newly crowned champion.

However, before that, Della Maddalena will first have to defend his belt against the pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani fighter has already announced his move up in order to win the welterweight belt and boost his legacy. JDM has already accepted the challenge, making way for an incredible fight, potentially later this year in Perth, Australia.

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev later this year confirms manager

Islam Makhachev has successfully defended the UFC lightweight belt four times, setting a new record for most title defenses ever. His original plan was to move up to welterweight and become a double champion, holding titles in two divisions simultaneously. However, according to recent reports, Makhachev has now vacated the lightweight title, leaving the division open for a successor.

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev to happen later this year
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev to happen later this year (via X/Imago)

UFC CEO Dana White announced Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will fight for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317. With both fighters having strong reputations, the hype surrounding this title clash has already reached an intense level. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s manager confirmed that the former lightweight champion will soon fight for the UFC welterweight title.

Islam will fight this year. Regardless, Maddalena injured, not injured. He can fight anybody but Jack Maddalena is the champion congratulations, Islam will fight him. If Jack is not ready. Islam will fight for the belt. Not the interim belt. For a real UFC belt.

Ali Abdelaziz via MMA Junkie

Ali Abdelaziz revealed he had a deep, detailed conversation with UFC executives regarding the long-term future of Islam Makhachev’s career. He referenced how Jamahal Hill was once stripped of his title due to an unfortunate injury shortly after becoming champion. Currently, there are no injury reports concerning Jack Della Maddalena, but in this sport, anything can always happen unexpectedly.

If not JDM, top contenders like Ian Garry, Sean Brady, and others are already available to welcome Islam Makhachev in a potentially title bout. On top of that, former champion Kamaru Usman has also shown interest in fighting Makhachev. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see when the Dagestani fights next.

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