Sun Jun 29 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Makhachev Respects Della Maddalena’s Rise, Eyes Second UFC Title

**Las Vegas, NV** – Islam Makhachev is not underestimating newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena as he prepares to challenge for a second title. Following Della Maddalena’s impressive striking display that led to a victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 last month, Makhachev acknowledges the significant improvements the Australian fighter has made to his game.

“It’s going to be a hard fight,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “I saw his fight against Belal. He’s good, man.”

Makhachev noted Della Maddalena’s improved wrestling defense, saying, “When he began fighting in the UFC, he had problems with wrestling, but now he’s improved because I’ve seen him training a lot with wrestlers and grapplers, and that’s why he’s champion right now. He’s good everywhere.”

The lightweight champion expressed surprise at Della Maddalena’s victory over Muhammad, a fighter he has trained with extensively. Makhachev also questioned Muhammad’s fight strategy, suggesting he should have implemented his wrestling earlier in the fight.

“It was crazy,” Makhachev said. “I know Belal well… I was surprised how he fought. I was surprised by his fight plan. I think he did mistakes. He had the option, but he didn’t use (it).”

While confident in his own abilities, Makhachev recognizes the challenge ahead, emphasizing Della Maddalena’s striking prowess and improved takedown defense.

Makhachev’s transition to the welterweight division hasn’t been without its challenges. The lightweight champion is working on building muscle mass to compete effectively at the higher weight class.

“All my life, I’ve been cutting weight, but now when I want to be big, my weight stays in the same position,” Makhachev explained. “I try to lift more… It’s very hard, but I don’t want to be big by eating and not training. I want to be with muscles.”

A date for the highly anticipated championship bout between Makhachev and Della Maddalena is yet to be announced, but fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between two of the UFC’s most skilled fighters.

Read More