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Jack Della Maddalena: Islam Makhachev isn't 'a very good striker' — 'I can take him out'

Jack Della Maddalena has a championship-sized target on his back after UFC 315.

The new UFC welterweight titleholder overcame the odds this past Saturday with his unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad. A lot hinged on the result of the title tilt, ranging from general contention within the welterweight division to the next move of pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.

The latter made his voice heard immediately after Della Maddalena's victory, expressing his intentions to go up and challenge "JDM" for a second UFC title. That move was subsequently confirmed Tuesday afternoon when UFC CEO Dana White announced that Makhachev has vacated his long-held UFC lightweight title and is set to challenge Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt later in 2025.

Speaking on Tuesday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show" prior to the official announcement, Della Maddalena welcomed the chance to make his first title defense against MMA's pound-for-pound best.

"I think he's going to underestimate me as well," Della Maddalena said of Makhachev. "I like it, but it doesn't really matter what he thinks. We're going to fight. I'm excited. I'm ready for the challenge.

"But also, the welterweight division has a lot of good challengers. So it's crazy how the welterweight division sort of opened up a lot."

The win over Muhammad was arguably as close as Della Maddalena could get to a dress rehearsal that could mimic the Makhachev matchup. Della Maddalena said as much on fight night, noting that the new champ felt like a good practice run for the challenges Makhachev might present in the Octagon, considering both Makhachev and Muhammad trained together in recent years.

Della Maddalena said he plans to enlist the aid of fellow Aussie and former Makhachev rival, Alexander Volkanovski, in preparation for the matchup. Volkanovski twice fought for Makhachev's UFC lightweight title in 2023, coming within a hair's breadth of dethroning Makhachev in his first attempt.

From there, "JDM" intends to do what he does best — extend his 18-fight win streak with a 13th career knockout.

"I think I can take him out," Della Maddalena said of Makhachev. "Belal really just walks forward and changes stance a lot, but I think if I can have someone that just stays in the same stance, I don't think Islam's a very good striker. I think I could land a lot of shots and take him out. Stuff the takedowns; if I get taken down, get right back to my feet."

If Della Maddalena gets past Makhachev for his first defense, he'll have no shortage of contenders at 170 pounds. Most notably, there's Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was supposed to be Muhammad's first title challenger this past December until injury forced the now-former champ from the contest. Rakhmonov instead defeated fellow contender Ian Machado Garry and has since been sidelined with his own injuries.

Della Maddalena still sees the undefeated Kazakhstani fighter as the rightful next in line.

"[He's the one] in terms of the run he's been on, finishes, never lost. I think some of the other guys can fight it out," Della Maddalena said of Rakhmonov. "I think Garry and [Sean] Brady should just fight it out."

While beating Muhammad for the belt was undeniably the biggest of Della Maddalena's nine-year MMA career, the champion insisted that he isn't awed by the physical prize he earned with the victory.

"The belt doesn't really mean too much. It's all about the fights, I feel," Della Maddalena said. "Anyone can win on any given night. I think I can beat a lot of the top contenders. I've backed myself, and now it's time to start knocking them off.

"I feel pretty good, so I'll be keen to get back in there pretty soon. September, I'd be good to go. If something came up earlier ... August, maybe.

"The division needs to get moving. All the top guys right now, I truly believe I can beat them. Line them up."

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