“He’s the toughest fighter in the division…” Jack Della Maddalena fearlessly calls out Shavkat Rakhmonov after Gilbert Burns matchup at UFC 299

Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena makes his way to the octagon at UFC 299 against one of the division’s fierce fighters, Gilbert Burns. Ranked number four, a win over ‘Durinho’ would earn him credits to go for a title shot soon. As such, he named the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov as his ‘dream fight’ for a title or an eliminator.

Jack Della Maddalena unveiled his dream matchup in his recent conversation with Submission Radio. He said a bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov in his hometown, Perth, for the title or title eliminator remains his dream fight. Here is what he said:

My dream matchup is, yeah – fight Shavkat Rakhmonov in Perth, would be my five-rounder for the title or for the title eliminator... I like the challenge. I think he’s one of the most challenging guys outside of the champion. But I think that sort of fight, you beat Shavkat, there’s not much else you can do except take a title shot.

Jack Della Maddalena (via Submission Radio)

Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of the surging welterweight prospects. He is currently on the verge of getting a title shot. As such, Jack Della Maddalena sent a callout to him to fight him and snatch his spot in the division. This fight would serve as the best-ranked prospect vs. prospect matchup in the 170lbs division right now.

However, Jack Della Maddela has to come through his first challenge, Gilbert Burns. Coming off a loss to Belal Muhammad, Burns looked to turn the tide with his fight against Maddalena. On the other hand, Maddalena, coming off two split decisions, wanted to make a statement. They will clash heads in the stacked UFC 299 fight card in March at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Jack Della Maddalena aims to finish Gilbert Burns at UFC 299 to make a statement

Gilbert Burns is a highly credited fighter in the UFC welterweight division. He fought for the title in 2021, went to war with Khamzat Chimaev, and almost earned his second title shot. But losing to Belal Muhammad has put Burns one step away from it. As such, he takes on a challenge in facing the up-and-coming Jack Della Maddalena. While Burns looked to make a statement out of him, Maddalena aimed to do the same.

Jack Della Maddalena addressed his previous two fights, going for a split decision, and vowed to make a statement over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299. Here is what he said:

He’s very good at MMA. He mixes it up well, he’s aggressive, and I think one of his best things is his toughness...I think he’s going to be a hard man to beat. But yeah, I’m gunning. I want to get the finish. … I need to finish. You know, I’ve been lackluster in my last two fights – two split decisions. I’m gunning for the finish

Jack Della Maddalena (via Submission Radio)

Jack Della Maddalena entered the UFC as a 9-2 fighter and now has seven straight wins in the UFC. He has remained undefeated in the fight promotion and eyed a championship bout soon. A win over Burns would propel him a step further towards his goals. As such, ‘Durinho’ vs. Maddalena goes down at UFC 299 next month.

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