Following his loss to Carlos Prates at UFC Perth, Ottman Della Maddalena has commented on the welterweight title picture, suggesting that Shavkat Rakhmonov's rival Dricus du Plessis or another top contender deserves a title opportunity. Della Maddalena's remarks come as he reassesses his position in the division after the setback. His comments indicate ongoing debate about who should challenge for the welterweight title next. This statement reflects the competitive nature of the welterweight division and the various contenders vying for a shot at the championship.
Ottman Della Maddalena has weighed in on the welterweight title picture following his loss to Carlos Prates at UFC Perth, publicly suggesting that Ian Garry deserves the next shot at the championship.
The comments come as Della Maddalena takes stock of his own standing in the division after the defeat. Rather than lobbying for an immediate rematch or positioning himself as the next challenger, the Frenchman shifted the conversation toward others in the mix, naming Garry as a worthy contender for the welterweight title.
Dricus du Plessis also entered the discussion, with Della Maddalena's remarks touching on the broader debate surrounding Shavkat Rakhmonov's next opponent. Du Plessis, however, competes at middleweight rather than welterweight — the South African holds a 23-3-0 record, is ranked second in his division and seventh pound-for-pound, and brings a well-rounded game to the table, averaging 5.18 significant strikes per minute with 48 percent accuracy and 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. The 32-year-old out of Team CIT stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and fights out of a switch stance.
Why it matters
- Della Maddalena's loss to Prates reshuffles the welterweight contender picture and opens the door for others to step forward
- His endorsement of Garry adds a notable voice to the ongoing debate over who faces Rakhmonov next
- The welterweight division remains crowded at the top, with multiple fighters making credible cases for a title opportunity
