Jack Della Maddalena Sets Sights on Shavkat Rakhmonov for UFC Welterweight Title Shot
Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is eager to regain his title and has set his sights on undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov as the key to securing a title shot. Della Maddalena, also known as “JDM,” lost his welterweight strap to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, where he struggled to counter Makhachev’s dominant ground game despite being the better fighter on his feet.
In a recent interview with N3on, Della Maddalena expressed his interest in fighting Rakhmonov, stating, “Me vs. Shavkat, that’s the fight… That’s why I want to fight Shavkat because beating someone like him, you get thrown right back in there [for a title shot].” This sentiment reflects Della Maddalena’s strategic approach to regaining the title, as a win over the highly-ranked Rakhmonov would undoubtedly propel him back into title contention.
Della Maddalena also reflected on his loss to Makhachev, acknowledging the Russian fighter’s exceptional skills in holding down opponents. “He’s good. His top position is good. He’s good at just holding people down. He’s like pinning, and I got stuck there,” Della Maddalena said. This analysis highlights the challenges Della Maddalena faced in his previous title defense and underscores the need for him to adapt and overcome such opponents to regain the title.
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Anticipated Return to the Octagon
Shavkat Rakhmonov, currently ranked number two in the welterweight division, has been sidelined for over a year due to a meniscus injury and a partial ACL tear. His last fight was in 2024 against Ian Machado Garry, which he won by unanimous decision. Despite his inactivity, Rakhmonov remains a formidable contender, and his return to the octagon is highly anticipated. The MMA community, including the pound-for-pound king, believes that Rakhmonov should face a top contender before challenging for the title, making a potential fight against Della Maddalena a compelling matchup.
Rakhmonov is expected to make his return in the next 1-2 months and has expressed interest in fighting Makhachev, Della Maddalena, or any other top contender. Meanwhile, Joaquin Buckley has been actively calling out Rakhmonov on social media, adding to the buzz surrounding the Kazakh fighter’s impending return. As the welterweight division continues to evolve, a fight between Della Maddalena and Rakhmonov could have significant implications for the title picture, making it a highly anticipated and strategic matchup in the world of UFC.
With Della Maddalena also showing interest in fighting Carlos Prates, and Prates vs. Della Maddalena being rumored for UFC 327, the welterweight division is poised for exciting developments. As fighters jockey for position and title shots, the stage is set for thrilling matchups that will shape the future of the division. For Della Maddalena, a win over Rakhmonov would be a crucial step towards regaining the title, and the anticipation for this potential fight underscores the high stakes and competitive nature of the UFC welterweight division.
