TLDR
- Jack Della Maddalena lost his UFC welterweight title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 321
- Della Maddalena believes a big win over a top contender will earn him a rematch with Makhachev
- Della Maddalena is rumored to fight Carlos Prates at UFC 327
- Prates is on a winning streak after knocking out Leon Edwards
- Makhachev recently commented on potential challenger Ian Machado Garry, calling his trip to Georgia ‘a mistake’
Sources: National Today | Bloody Elbow
Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is planning his return to title contention after losing his championship belt to Islam Makhachev at UFC 321. Della Maddalena believes one big win against a top contender could earn him another shot at the current champion.
Makhachev captured the welterweight title from Della Maddalena at UFC 321. The victory added another championship to Makhachev’s resume, as he is widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Della Maddalena is now focused on working his way back to a title fight. He has set his sights on facing top contender Carlos Prates, who recently knocked out Leon Edwards and is on a winning streak in the division.
The Path Back to the Title
Della Maddalena acknowledged that earning another shot at Makhachev will not be easy. He said Makhachev has reached a different stage in his career and has continued to develop as a fighter.
“My goal is obviously to go back and get the world title back and also to challenge myself against these guys – all those new contenders and really find out who the best is,” Della Maddalena said on Twitter. “I believe I can reign supreme.”
The former champion expressed his desire to face Makhachev again. “I’d love to get a shot at Islam again; that’d be the dream,” he said.
Della Maddalena understands he must prove himself worthy of a rematch. “But obviously, Islam is at a different stage of his career. Hopefully, I can get to a point where he grants me the rematch,” he added.
Rumors suggest that Della Maddalena and Prates could fight at UFC 327. The winner of that matchup would likely be in strong position for a title shot against Makhachev.
Makhachev Comments on Potential Opponents
Meanwhile, Makhachev has been addressing other potential challengers in the division. He recently commented on Ian Machado Garry traveling to Georgia, calling the move “a mistake.”
Makhachev provided an update on a potential clash with Garry. The statement suggests ongoing discussions about possible future matchups for the champion.
The welterweight division is currently loaded with talented fighters competing for a chance to face Makhachev. Della Maddalena is one of several contenders trying to work their way into title position.
Prates has emerged as a dangerous contender after his knockout victory over Edwards. A fight between Della Maddalena and Prates would eliminate one top contender while elevating the winner closer to championship contention.
Della Maddalena held the welterweight title before losing it to Makhachev. Now he must prove he deserves another opportunity to compete for the belt he once held.
The rumored fight between Della Maddalena and Prates at UFC 327 has not been officially confirmed by the UFC. If the bout is finalized, it could determine the next challenger for Makhachev’s welterweight championship.
