Jack Della Maddalena’s Grand Plan: Bring Islam Makhachev to Australia for the UFC Middleweight Title in September!
In a dramatic shift of UFC narratives, Jack Della Maddalena has declared he is ready to welcome Islam Makhachev to the welterweight division with a thunderous knockout—and he wants to do it on home soil in Australia this September. The Perth native, fresh off a massive win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, is already eyeing his first title defense, which could come against the most dominant lightweight in the sport.
While Makhachev has vacated his UFC lightweight title to pursue double-champ status, Maddalena believes the Russian powerhouse has made a “big mistake” by chasing welterweight gold. With the UFC looking to potentially stage the superfight in Perth, this showdown could become one of the most anticipated main events of 2025.
Jack Della Maddalena ready to defend in Australia
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia from New York, the 28-year-old welterweight champion laid out his expectations for the upcoming clash. JDM, as he’s affectionately known, said fighting in Australia is a priority.
“I think this fight needs to happen in Australia,” Maddalena stated. “That’s where I’m from, that’s where I want to defend the belt, and if Islam wants it, he should come down here and take it.”
The UFC 315 victory catapulted JDM into superstar territory. His gritty, dominant performance against Belal Muhammad silenced any doubts about his ability to hang with elite grapplers. And now, he’s stepping up to take on the man considered pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world.
“He’s made a mistake” – JDM doubts Makhachev’s striking
While Islam Makhachev boasts a strong record, Della Maddalena believes the Dagestani has glaring holes in his game, particularly in the stand-up department.
“He’s obviously a great grappler, but I don’t think his striking is where it needs to be,” Maddalena said. “And standing with me? That’s a big mistake. I’m going to knock him out.”
JDM also questioned whether Makhachev would be able to handle the physicality of a true welterweight. While Alexander Volkanovski, a natural featherweight, put up a valiant effort in two previous fights with Makhachev, Della insists he will be an entirely different challenge.
“I’m not Volk. I’m a bigger, stronger, and more dangerous fighter at this weight,” he warned. “He’s stepping into a new world.”
UFC 316 in Perth? Blockbuster card with Volkanovski on tap
Not only does Jack Della Maddalena want Makhachev to fly to Australia for the showdown, but he also wants to share the card with fellow countryman Alexander Volkanovski. The idea of both Australian stars fighting together on the same main event has fight fans buzzing.
“To be on a card with Volk in Australia would be surreal,” JDM said. “It’s the dream card. Two Aussies, two championship fights. That’s what the fans want to see.”
Volkanovski, who suffered two losses to Makhachev, has been a vocal supporter of Maddalena and would no doubt relish seeing his compatriot get one back against the Dagestani star.
“Keep my belt clean” – Makhachev fires back on social media
Soon after JDM’s UFC 315 post-fight interview, Islam Makhachev wasted no time responding. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“You are not Volk. I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean.”
The tension between the two is already reaching boiling point, with both fighters making it clear they want the bout. While UFC President Dana White confirmed Makhachev has vacated his lightweight title to chase gold at 170 pounds, no official contracts have been signed yet.
But Maddalena isn’t concerned about the fine print—he’s already mentally preparing for the fight.
“I’ve only heard what’s been reported,” he said. “No contract yet. But I’m ready whenever. I want this fight. I want to make a statement.”
Makhachev vs. JDM: A battle of styles
This matchup is more than just a championship fight—it’s a true clash of styles. Islam Makhachev, a master of sambo and suffocating ground control, will be facing a striker known for precise boxing, volume punching, and ruthless finishing ability.
Makhachev has never fought at 170 pounds in the UFC, and while his style has overwhelmed lightweights, the welterweight division brings a new level of size and physicality. Maddalena, who has finished 13 of his 18 career wins by KO or TKO, believes he’s the man to stop Makhachev’s dream of being a two-division champion.
“He’s never fought someone like me,” JDM said. “I’m not just going to try and survive like others have. I’m going to finish him.”
Ben Vickers goes viral: “Just keep pinging the c*!”**
Adding another layer of buzz to Maddalena’s rise is his head coach, Ben Vickers, whose colorful corner advice during UFC 315 has gone viral. His now-infamous command—“Just keep pinging the c***!”—was picked up by cameras and quickly made the rounds on social media.
The moment became a rallying cry for JDM fans, and even Maddalena couldn’t help but laugh at the attention.
“That’s just Ben,” he said. “That’s how we talk. It got people’s attention, and I think it shows how passionate we are in the corner. It’s all love.”
Volkanovski’s revenge through JDM?
Many fans and analysts view this potential clash as an indirect sequel to Makhachev vs. Volkanovski. Having watched his friend fall short twice against the Russian, Della Maddalena is motivated to exact revenge on behalf of both Volk and Australia.
“Volk gave him hell,” JDM said. “And I’m going to go one better. I’ll make sure Islam doesn’t forget what happened when he came up to 170.”
Given that Volkanovski was knocked out in their second meeting, there’s added emotional weight behind this matchup. JDM has the chance not only to defend his own belt, but also to restore the pride of his teammate.
No signed contract—yet—but both fighters are all in
While both sides have voiced their interest, the fight remains unofficial as of mid-May. UFC President Dana White has floated Perth in September as a target date, but the promotion has yet to finalize anything.
Still, JDM’s team appears confident that the bout will happen—and that when it does, it will be massive.
“This is the biggest fight of the year,” said one member of Maddalena’s camp. “Islam’s trying to build his legacy, but Jack’s about to rewrite it.”
What this means for the welterweight division
The addition of Islam Makhachev to the welterweight scene shakes up the entire title picture. With Belal Muhammad dethroned, contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Colby Covington, and Kamaru Usman will be watching closely to see how this champion-vs-champion battle plays out.
If JDM wins, he cements himself as one of the UFC’s biggest stars and ends Makhachev’s dominant streak. If Makhachev wins, he enters a rare class of double champs and may even force more crossover bouts across divisions.
Final thoughts: Legacy vs. homegrown greatness
This looming bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev is shaping up to be more than just another title fight—it’s a clash of identity, geography, and ambition. For Makhachev, it’s about legacy. For Maddalena, it’s about proving Australia has produced a world-class champion ready to defend against the very best.
