In a thrilling comeback to the octagon, 28-year-old Jack Della Maddalena has etched his name in the annals of UFC history by capturing the welterweight championship from seasoned fighter Belal Muhammad. This victory is particularly significant as it marks Della Maddalena’s first title defense after a hiatus of over a year. His performance in Montreal showcased not just skill but also an unmistakable determination, demonstrating that he is poised for greatness in the MMA world.
During the fight, Della Maddalena delivered an impressive offensive display, landing a staggering 200 strikes while showcasing a tactical mastery that left his opponent reeling. Muhammad, previously undefeated since January 2019, faced a barrage of attacks that tested his resilience—suffering from a broken nose, a fractured orbital, and serious facial injuries. Despite these setbacks, Muhammad displayed exceptional grit, pushing through the pain and refusing to give up. Michael Bisping, a former UFC champion and now a commentator for TNT Sports, remarked on Della Maddalena’s “smooth” and “composed” fighting style. He noted that in championship bouts, it is vital to assert dominance, stating, “You can’t just beat a champ by a close decision; you’ve got to take the belt,” alluding to the crisp and assertive tactics Della Maddalena employed.
Throughout the bout, Della Maddalena exhibited his remarkable capability to read and react to his opponent, effortlessly transitioning between offensive and defensive maneuvers. Bisping pointed out his tactical genius during a crucial moment when Della Maddalena escaped a clinch and immediately went on the offensive, showcasing his ability to seize the moment. The fight was not just a demonstration of physical skill but also a mental battle, with Della Maddalena representing a new era of MMA athletes that have honed their capabilities both inside and outside the ring.
Fast-forwarding from his initial fight against Gilbert Burns a year prior, Bisping highlighted the clear evolution of Della Maddalena’s abilities. He expressed that Della Maddalena has taken significant leaps in terms of skill development and fight IQ, suggesting that currently, he is among the most formidable fighters in the welterweight division. The stakes are heating up in this weight class, with Della Maddalena emerging as a dominant force whom few might wish to challenge soon.
With this newly acquired championship, rumors have begun circulating about potential matchups for Della Maddalena. The recent defeat of Belal Muhammad has created opportunities in both the welterweight and lightweight divisions, as lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is now expected to challenge Della Maddalena. Makhachev’s anticipated rise to welterweight aiming for a double championship title presents an exciting scenario that both fighters have reason to embrace.
Bisping expressed enthusiasm about the prospective matchup, referring to it as a “great” fight. He did, however, emphasize the importance of strategy and preparation for Makhachev. Given that Makhachev has trained with Muhammad in the past, Bisping believes Della Maddalena will have the edge of having recently faced a similar fighting style. He remarked, “If I’m Jack Della Maddalena, what do I want as the perfect warm-up fight? Do I want someone that has the same style as Islam, that’s bigger, stronger, and that I just picked apart?”.
The lists of accolades Della Maddalena has achieved already signify his caliber as a fighter. Bisping noted that his striking ability, including superior boxing skills, has set him apart, as he managed to counter every takedown attempt from Muhammad and remain mobile throughout. He issued a warning to Makhachev, saying that Della Maddalena has improved considerably, hinting at the potential for an upset.
As the anticipation builds around the future of both Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, it is evident that the welterweight division has entered a new era—one filled with excitement and fierce competition. Fans are encouraged to catch all the thrilling UFC action as it unfolds, available live on TNT Sports and discovery+. This is a fight landscape where legends are born, and the next chapter in Della Maddalena’s ascent is eagerly awaited.
