UFC`s new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, has commented on when he might be prepared for a potential superfight against the lightweight title holder, Islam Makhachev.
Della Maddalena addressed the possibility of Makhachev moving up a division to challenge for the welterweight belt. “I don`t think anyone would mind if Islam gets a title shot,” he stated. Acknowledging the potential impact on other contenders, such as Shavkat Rakhmonov, he added, “I`m sure for Shavkat, it`s an annoying situation, but that`s the essence of double championship — it obviously confuses the division. So, this shouldn`t happen all the time, but in Islam`s case, I think it makes sense.”
The Australian champion emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the welterweight division. “We need to move the division forward. I hope that eight weeks after this fight, we will see a new title fight in the welterweight division,” he was quoted as saying during the post-fight press conference.
This discussion follows Della Maddalena`s recent championship victory. Yesterday, May 11, he defeated Belal Muhammad in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 315 in Montreal, Canada, securing the welterweight championship.
Gareth Tenby