Ali Akbar Rosady
Jack Della Maddalena, a prominent contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) welterweight division, is actively seeking his next opponent with a clear objective: to re-establish his trajectory towards championship contention. Following a recent setback, Della Maddalena has articulated a strong desire for a rematch against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov or a high-stakes clash with rising knockout artist Carlos Prates.
The 29-year-old Australian fighter finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career. Known for his aggressive striking and exciting performances, Della Maddalena had built an impressive six-fight winning streak within the UFC, culminating in a significant unanimous decision victory over top contender Belal Muhammad at UFC 299 in March 2024. This win solidified his position among the division’s elite, placing him firmly in the conversation for a title eliminator bout. However, his momentum was briefly interrupted at UFC 301 in May 2024, where he suffered his first UFC defeat, a first-round submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. This loss, which came via rear-naked choke, now serves as a primary motivator for Della Maddalena’s immediate aspirations.
Speaking recently to streamer N3ON, Della Maddalena provided insight into his current thought process regarding his next fight. "Nothing locked in. Just waiting," he stated, indicating that negotiations are ongoing or yet to fully materialize. He then elaborated on his preferred opponents, placing a premium on a bout that could swiftly propel him back into the upper echelons of the division. "I don’t know. I would like to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov. I’ve always wanted to fight him, but whether that happens or not, I don’t know. Otherwise, maybe Michael Morales or Carlos Prates, one of those guys."
The explicit mention of Shavkat Rakhmonov underscores Della Maddalena’s ambition to avenge his recent defeat and prove his mettle against one of the most formidable fighters in the sport. Rakhmonov, hailing from Kazakhstan, boasts an impeccable professional mixed martial arts record of 19-0, with a rare 100% finish rate across his victories. His seven UFC wins, including submissions over top contenders like Geoff Neal and Stephen Thompson, and his recent finish of Della Maddalena, have cemented his status as a legitimate threat to the welterweight title.
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The history between Rakhmonov and the welterweight title picture is also noteworthy. Rakhmonov was previously slated to face Belal Muhammad in a title eliminator, but an injury forced him out of the bout, paving the way for Della Maddalena to face Muhammad instead. While Rakhmonov has since returned and secured a significant win over Della Maddalena, his period of inactivity due to injury has led to some debate regarding his immediate claim to a title shot, particularly from the reigning welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, who has publicly suggested Rakhmonov might need another fight before challenging for the belt. This scenario potentially aligns perfectly with Della Maddalena’s renewed interest in a rematch.
"That’s the fight," Della Maddalena declared when discussing a potential second encounter with Rakhmonov. He further elaborated on the strategic importance of such a matchup in his quest for a championship opportunity. "That’d be the dream… That’s why I want to fight Shavkat, because beating someone like him, you get thrown right back in there." For Della Maddalena, a victory over the undefeated Rakhmonov would not only erase the memory of his sole UFC loss but also serve as an undeniable statement to the division and the UFC matchmakers, positioning him as an immediate and undeniable contender for the welterweight crown, currently held by Leon Edwards.
Beyond a potential Rakhmonov rematch, Della Maddalena also expressed significant interest in a bout with Carlos Prates. Rumors circulating within the MMA community have recently linked "JDM" with Prates, an emerging force in the welterweight division. Prates, a Brazilian striker with a professional record of 19-6, has made a strong impression since joining the UFC, securing three consecutive victories, all by knockout. His most recent performance, a spectacular first-round knockout of Charles Radtke at UFC on ESPN 58 in June 2024, showcased his devastating power and precision striking. Prates himself has publicly called for a fight against Della Maddalena, indicating a mutual interest in a high-octane striking affair.
Della Maddalena responded positively to the prospect of facing Prates. "That would be a good fight. Let’s go. I’m in," he affirmed in a separate interview with N3ON. He further analyzed the potential matchup, highlighting the stylistic compatibility. "He’s got good striking. I reckon I’d finish him. It would have to be a five-rounder, for sure. That would be sick." Della Maddalena’s insistence on a five-round contest suggests his ambition for a main event or co-main event slot, signaling his readiness to headline a card and deliver a memorable performance against a fellow knockout artist. A fight between Della Maddalena and Prates would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated stand-up battle, with both fighters possessing the ability to end the contest in an instant.
Michael Morales, another undefeated prospect in the welterweight division (16-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), was also mentioned by Della Maddalena as a potential opponent. Morales, who last fought in January 2024, securing a unanimous decision victory over Neil Magny, represents another intriguing matchup against a rising talent. While less emphasized than Rakhmonov or Prates, Morales’s inclusion on Della Maddalena’s shortlist reflects the Australian’s willingness to face any formidable challenge that can advance his career.
The welterweight division remains one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. With Leon Edwards firmly established as champion and Belal Muhammad slated for the next title shot, the race for future contenders is fierce. Della Maddalena’s strategic targeting of opponents like Rakhmonov and Prates demonstrates his understanding of the landscape and his calculated approach to reclaiming his position at the forefront of the title hunt. His eagerness to return to action and his clear vision for overcoming his recent setback underscore his enduring championship aspirations. As the UFC calendar progresses, all eyes will be on which high-profile matchup materializes next for Jack Della Maddalena as he seeks to write the next chapter in his quest for welterweight gold.
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