Australian welterweight Jack Della Maddalena has stated that he wants to face Islam Makhachev again inside the octagon. Della Maddalena explained that his goal is to challenge himself and see if he can improve his skills enough to defeat Makhachev. The post notes that given the current competition in the division, earning another shot at Makhachev will not be easy. To get back into title contention, Della Maddalena will need a convincing victory over his next opponent, Prates.
Jack Della Maddalena has made clear he wants another crack at welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, publicly stating his desire to run the fight back and prove he has developed enough to come out on top the second time around. The Australian also acknowledged that returning to title contention will require getting past his next opponent, Prates, in convincing fashion.
Della Maddalena, 29, carries a 18-4 record and currently sits fourth in the welterweight rankings, as well as 13th on the pound-for-pound list. Fighting out of Scrappy MMA in Australia, the switch-stance fighter is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy. His grappling output is minimal by comparison, averaging just 0.13 takedowns per 15 minutes, which makes his path to beating Makhachev a steep one.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning welterweight champion, also ranked first on the pound-for-pound list. The Russian fighter from Eagles MMA is a dominant all-around competitor, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while still producing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy. He stands five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Della Maddalena at four in the division is close to the title picture but cannot afford a stumble against Prates
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Della Maddalena's high-volume striking against Makhachev's wrestling and submission-based control
- A dominant Prates win would strengthen the Australian's case for an immediate rematch with the champion
