Jack Della Maddalena takes on top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov

Jack Della Maddalena wants a title rematch against Islam Makhachev. Maddalena lost his title to Makhachev via unanimous decision at UFC 322 last November. The Australian wants to fight top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov next. Maddalena believes a win over Rakhmonov will immediately earn him a rematch against Makhachev.

A path back to championship glory

“Islamic wrestling is good,” Maddalena told YouTuber N3on. “He’s good at holding people, pinning people down. He’s very good at pinning people down, and that’s where I got stuck.” [Rematch] is the dream, and that’s why I want to fight Shavkat, because when you beat someone like him, you get thrown right back in.Rakhmonov (19-0) was originally expected to challenge Belal Muhammad for the title last year. However, the undefeated Kazakh was unable to accept the fight due to an unspecified injury. The opportunity instead went to Maddalena (18-3), who dethroned Muhammad at UFC 315 in May.

Maddalena was on an 18-fight winning streak before losing to Makhachev in his first defense. Meanwhile, Rakhmonov has collected 18 of his 19 career victories, including seven UFC outings. “Nomad” first saw the judges scorecard in his unanimous decision over Ian Garry in his final appearance in December 2024.