Key Highlights
- UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena discusses the state of his title defense and contenders in the welterweight division.
- Della Maddalena believes Shavkat Rakhmonov has fallen out of contention for the title due to inactivity.
- Active fighters like Sean Brady, Ian Garry, and Kamaru Usman are seen as emerging contenders for the title shot.
The State of the UFC Welterweight Division
UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is gearing up for his first title defense at UFC 322, and he’s not taking it lightly. The Australian fighter, known for his willingness to face any opponent, has set his sights on a tough challenger in Islam Makhachev. However, the conversation around who will be next in line for the top spot in the welterweight division is heating up.
Rakhmonov’s Contender Status
When asked about Shavkat Rakhmonov’s status as a top contender, Della Maddalena was direct. “It’s hard for me to tell,” he said. “I think the division has moved on. If you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind.” This sentiment is echoed by the ongoing inactivity of Rakhmonov since his last victory over Ian Machado in 2024.
While Della Maddalena remains open to facing Rakhmonov if the UFC calls for it, he’s optimistic about new contenders emerging. “Someone like Sean Brady has been so active,” he noted. “Ian Garry and these guys are very active. How can Shavkat stay in that top position when these guys are fighting guys? It’s a hard one but I’ll just do whatever I’m told.” The message is clear: staying inactive puts you at risk of falling behind.
Upcoming Contenders
The next few weeks look like they could be pivotal for the welterweight division. With key fights on the horizon, including Sean Brady’s clash with Michael Morales and Ian Garry’s bout against former champion Belal Muhammad in the UFC Qatar main event just one week after Della Maddalena’s fight, it’s a crowded field of contenders.
Della Maddalena is keen to see who comes out on top. “I think the next few weeks is a good time for the welterweights,” he stated. “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.” This could be crucial for determining the next challenger for the title.
Future Implications
The lack of activity from Rakhmonov could have significant implications for his future in the division. Della Maddalena highlighted that staying active is key: “You sit on the sidelines too long, you definitely fall behind.” This is a message not just to Rakhmonov but to any fighter looking to maintain their position at the top of the welterweight standings.
For now, it seems that Della Maddalena and other active fighters like Brady and Garry are positioned well for a title shot. However, if Rakhmonov returns in early 2026 with another victory, he could once again find himself in contention for the title.
For now, though, the focus remains on the current contenders.
With Della Maddalena’s first title defense fast approaching, the welterweight division is set to witness some significant battles. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining who steps up to challenge the reigning champion and perhaps take over as the new No. 1 contender.
