Jacques Della Maddalena believes he is the most feared fighter in the welterweight division.
To prove himself, the 27-year-old Australian will have to face another formidable 170-pound fighter. One of the top contenders is the undefeated welterweight powerhouse Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has won all 18 of his fights by knockout or submission.
“There are some intimidating competitors in this division, but I consider myself the most intimidating,” Della Maddalena proclaimed after defeating former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 299. Title eliminator. He is one of the best companies in this industry. let’s go!”
His upcoming fight might have to be put on hold until his broken arm heals.
For the showdown between Rakhmonov and Maddalena to take place, it relies on the welterweight title match between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad not being postponed again. Moreover, top contenders like Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman would need to decline a potential matchup with “Nomad.”
“The fight with Maddalena logically follows as one of our next moves,” Rachmonov’s manager informed Sport24ru. “If Colby and Usman turn down the fight with Shafqat, then our only option left is Maddalena. Another scenario depends on the outcome of the Edwards vs. Muhammad fight. If their fight happens soon, Shafqat won’t be fighting immediately after. He would instead consider going straight for a title fight. We have these options available.”
Rachmonov, aged 29, earned a shot at the title by submitting Stephen Thompson at UFC 296.
The schedule for the Edwards vs. Muhammad title fight has not been confirmed yet. It remains uncertain if Usman will return to the middleweight division. Additionally, Covington appears eager to face welterweight talent Ian Machado Gary.
“My ideal matchup would be to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov in Perth, marking the final round of the title eliminator,” Della Maddalena expressed previously. “Apart from myself, I believe he is the toughest fighter in this division. He is one of the most formidable non-champions. If he manages to defeat Shafqat in a battle like that, then he deserves the title. There’s not much more to strive for beyond that.”
Hopefully, the UFC can resolve some of the uncertainties in the 170-pound division in the upcoming weeks.
