Jack Della Maddalena declares war on Islam Makhachev after KO of Aussie superstar

Key highlights

• Jack Della Maddalena eyes a superfight with Makhachev, fueled by Volkanovski's losses.
• Volkanovski predicts a Makhachev move to welterweight if Maddalena beats Muhammad.
• Maddalena first faces Muhammad at UFC 315 before any potential superfight.

Jack Della Maddalena has his sights firmly set on UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, while looking beyond that bout toward a potential superfight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev . During a recent appearance on The Grin Reapers podcast, Maddalena expressed his desire to not only capture UFC gold but also to avenge his countryman Alexander Volkanovski's losses to Makhachev.
The Australian connection provides the impetus for Maddalena’s motivation.Alexander Volkanovski claims training partner Jack Della Maddalena is 'Australia's greatest athlete,' with whom he trains. Australian UFC fighters have come together over the national pride and to make amends personally for defeating Volkanovski twice to Islam Makhachev.

The rivalry began when Alexander Volkanovski stepped up to lightweight at UFC 284 in early February 2023 and was beaten on decision. Islam Makhachev also ended the Australian champion’s career more easily, knocking Alexander Volkanovski out with a head kick in the first round at UFC 294, and did so and it was even again.

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"That would be nice. In Perth. That would be a bit of a story, Volk [revenge]," Maddalena said. "We'll see. Anything's possible. We get through Belal, and then I think, yeah, I guess opportunities will present themselves."
Championship aspirations create a potential superfight opportunityIslam Makhachev has reportedly shown interest in moving up to the 170-pound division, but his friendship and training relationship with current champion Belal Muhammad have complicated matters. According to Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev's next move depends heavily on the outcome of UFC 315.

"You've got the Belal situation... If Jack Della Maddalena wins that fight, Islam's moving up. Let's be real. Islam [Makhachev] is moving up straight away," Alexander Volkanovski said on The Ariel Helwani Show.

Before any superfight can materialise, Jack Della Maddalena must first overcome the methodical fighting style of Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025, in Montreal. Belal Muhammad has warned that his calculated approach and superior gas tank will prove too much for the Australian challenger.

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With Australia's growing influence in the UFC, Jack Della Maddalena now carries the hopes of an entire nation as he aims to join the ranks of Australian champions while potentially setting up a revenge match against one of the sport's most dominant forces.