Jack Della Maddalena stated that Ian Garry deserves a title fight against Islam Makhachev following recent performances. This callout emerges amid welterweight and lightweight title picture discussions. Della Maddalena's endorsement highlights Garry's rising stock in the division. It matters as it fuels debate on contenders challenging the lightweight champ, potentially shifting matchmaking. Garry could next face a top-ranked opponent if momentum builds, while Makhachev's camp may respond.
Jack Della Maddalena has publicly backed fellow welterweight contender Ian Garry to receive a title shot against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, citing Garry's recent performances as justification for the opportunity.
Della Maddalena, 29, carries a 18-4 record and sits ranked fourth in the welterweight division, also holding the number 13 spot in the pound-for-pound standings. The Australian out of Scrappy MMA is one of the more prolific strikers in the division, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy. His endorsement of Garry adds weight to growing conversations around who deserves next consideration at the top of the lightweight title picture.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1 record and is the reigning champion, currently ranked number one pound-for-pound. The Russian southpaw from Eagles MMA is a complete mixed martial artist, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an elite 58 percent accuracy while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts in the same window. Any challenger stepping up to face Makhachev would need answers across all phases of the fight.
Why it matters
- Della Maddalena's public endorsement raises Garry's profile as a legitimate lightweight title contender candidate
- The callout adds pressure to matchmakers navigating a crowded welterweight and lightweight contender picture
- Makhachev's dominance across striking and grappling presents a steep stylistic challenge for any challenger put forward
- If momentum builds around Garry's name, a high-profile tune-up fight against a top-ranked opponent could follow before any title conversation becomes formal
