Key Highlights
- UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena argues that Shavkat Rakhmonov is no longer the top contender in the division.
- Della Maddalena believes new contenders like Sean Brady and Ian Garry have emerged due to their active fighting schedules.
- Rakhmonov has not been seen since his win over Ian Machado in 2024, potentially putting him out of contention for a title shot.
- Recent fights involving top welterweights like Michael Morales, Belal Muhammad, and Kamaru Usman could determine the next challenger to Della Maddalena’s title.
The Welterweight Division in Flux: Della Maddalena on Contendership
UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena recently voiced his opinion that Shavkat Rakhmonov is no longer considered the top contender for a title shot. This statement comes ahead of Della Maddalena’s first title defense at UFC 322, scheduled for November 14, 2025.
Contendership and Activity
Della Maddalena highlighted that staying active is crucial in the welterweight division. He emphasized that Rakhmonov has not been seen since his victory over Ian Machado in 2024, which could impact his position as a top contender.
“It’s hard for me to tell,” Della Maddalena told MMA Fighting when asked about Rakhmonov’s status. “I think the division has moved on. If you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind.
I think that’s where it is.” The Australian champion further explained, “Someone like Sean Brady has been so active, Ian Garry, these guys are very active. How can Shavkat stay in that top position when these guys are fighting guys?”
Upcoming Contenders and Titles
The upcoming welterweight matchups promise to determine the next title challenger. Della Maddalena mentioned a series of high-profile fights, including Sean Brady’s bout with Michael Morales at UFC 322 on November 14, 2025. He also noted that Ian Garry will face former champion Belal Muhammad in the UFC Qatar main event one week later.
Della Maddalena believes these upcoming matchups could lay out the order of who is next for a title shot. “The next few weeks is a good time for the welterweights,” he said. “It’s all the top guys are fighting each other.
The next few weeks, we’re going to see who in the top 5, they’ll all pretty much lay out the order of who’s next. It’s exciting who the top contenders are.”
Rakhmonov’s Prospects
While Rakhmonov could still return early in 2026 and potentially regain his position as a top contender, Della Maddalena is not optimistic about his chances without active fighting. “I think activity is key,” he stated. “You sit on the sidelines too long, you definitely fall behind.” The champion noted that Rakhmonov faced a situation similar to when he was supposed to face Muhammad in May 2025 but could not accept due to an injury.
Conclusion
A Dynamic Welterweight Landscape
The welterweight division remains dynamic, with multiple contenders vying for the top position. As Della Maddalena prepares for his first title defense at UFC 322, he acknowledges that staying active is crucial to maintaining a spot in the title contention. The upcoming fights will likely determine who gets the opportunity to challenge for the championship.
