UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is preparing for his first title defense at UFC 322, and he believes the division has moved on since Shavkat Rakhmonov’s last fight. The Australian slugger takes on Islam Makhachev in the main event at Madison Square Garden, and while he is open to facing Rakhmonov, Della Maddalena says inactivity can cost fighters their spot at the top.
“It’s hard for me to tell,” Della Maddalena said when asked about Rakhmonov’s status as the No. 1 contender. “I think the division has moved on. If you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind. 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? It’s a hard one, but I’ll just do whatever I’m told. Whoever’s next is who the UFC tells me is next.”
Rakhmonov has not fought since his win over Ian Machado Garry in December 2024, which puts him at a disadvantage in a division filled with fighters competing regularly. Della Maddalena, meanwhile, earned his title by taking fights whenever the UFC called and sees activity as a key factor in staying relevant.
On the same UFC 322 card, Sean Brady faces Michael Morales in a matchup that could shake up the welterweight rankings and determine the next title contender. Just a week later, Ian Garry is scheduled to fight former champion Belal Muhammad in Qatar, adding another potential challenger to the mix. Former champion Kamaru Usman also remains a major factor in the division after his recent victory over Joaquin Buckley.
“I think the next few weeks is a good time for the welterweights,” Della Maddalena said. “All the top guys are fighting each other. 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 to see who the top contenders are.”
Della Maddalena credits his own activity with helping him climb to the top of the division. He was able to step into title contention while Rakhmonov missed his chance due to injury earlier this year. Now, he believes staying active is essential for anyone hoping to earn a shot at the belt.
“I think activity is key,” Della Maddalena said. “You sit on the sidelines too long, you definitely fall behind.”
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