Jack Della Maddalena Adds Khamzat Chimaev to Wishlist Ahead of UFC 322

Jack Della Maddalena plans to stay active at welterweight as, while hinting at a future clash with Khamzat Chimaev.

Jack Della Maddalena Adds Khamzat Chimaev to Wishlist Ahead of UFC 322

Jack Della Maddalena wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev (via Instagram)

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In an era where fighters frequently move between weight classes to pursue multi-divisional glory, the UFC has witnessed a surge in champions taking on challenges beyond their natural divisions. This trend, while exciting for fans, has reshaped how dominance is measured inside the Octagon. Amid this shift, the UFC welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena appears determined to chart a different course.

Della Maddalena is scheduled to defend his UFC welterweight title against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, marking one of the promotion’s most anticipated matchups of the year. The Australian champion has maintained complete control over the division, boasting victories against Gilbert Burns, Randy Brown, and Bassil Hafez, with each win showcasing his precise striking and tactical patience.

Della Maddalena’s rise to champion came at UFC 315, where he captured the title after stepping in on short notice. Shavkat Rakhmonov was initially set to face then-champion Belal Muhammad, but after Rakhmonov withdrew, JDM delivered a defining performance to claim gold. However, Maddalena recently hinted at a potential clash with Khamzat Chimaev once he is done with the welterweight division.

I would like to defend my belt multiple times before even considering a change in division. I’d like to fight Khamzat Chimaev at one point if my career goes well. It would be a good challenge.

Jack Della Maddalena via New York Post

Before that possibility takes shape, it’s worth recalling that a bout between Chimaev and Makhachev was once heavily speculated by fans and media alike. The prospect of two dominant forces colliding generated massive intrigue across the MMA community. However, both fighters have since made it clear that such a matchup is unlikely, each expressing an unwillingness to fight due to personal reasons.

Chimaev’s rise has been nothing short of dominant. The undefeated fighter has earned victories over Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. His crowning achievement came at UFC 319, where he captured the UFC middleweight title with a commanding performance against Dricus Du Plessis.

With Jack Della Maddalena standing firm at welterweight, Islam Makhachev eyeing new challenges, and Khamzat Chimaev reigning at middleweight, the UFC finds itself in a rare moment where dominant, disciplined champions lead multiple divisions. Should these paths ever intersect, it could redefine how greatness is measured across the modern UFC landscape.

Jack Della Maddalena names the funniest fighter he has fought

Jack Della Maddalena’s rise to the top of the UFC has been one of the promotion’s fastest in recent memory. After making his debut in 2022, the Australian quickly established himself as a dangerous contender with a polished striking style and calm in-cage demeanor. His first breakthrough came in 2023, when he secured a decisive victory over Kevin Holland, a recognizable opponent.

Jack Della Maddalena vs Kevin Holland
Jack Della Maddalena vs Kevin Holland (via Yahoo Sports)

Their bout was a showcase of precision and composure, with Della Maddalena methodically breaking down Holland’s unpredictable style. However, the fight also revealed a lighter side of competition, as Della Maddalena later recalled a moment mid-bout that briefly caught his focus off guard. The Australian champion recently reflected on the same fight while referencing Holland in an interview.

I don’t know. I found Kevin Holland pretty funny. Fighting him, he was the first guy who was ever just chatting to me most of the fight. He was saying stuff like, I like the way you fight. At one point, he said to me, I think he was like, ‘We should train sometime,’ and I said, ‘I’m fighting you right now.

Jack Della Maddalena via Spinnin Backfist

Now holding championship status, Jack Della Maddalena’s journey reflects more than just technical skill; it represents adaptability, mental development, and the composure needed to maintain dominance in one of MMA’s toughest divisions. His steady climb from prospect to titleholder underscores how quickly the sport can evolve, and how experience continues to separate the champions from the contenders.

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