In what is being hailed as one of the standout fights of 2025, Australian fighter Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) claimed the UFC welterweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad (24-4) at UFC 315.
The newly crowned champion wasted no time in setting up his first potential title defense, calling out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to move up and attempt to become a two-division champion. "I'll do it for Volkanovski," Della Maddalena declared as he exited the octagon, referencing his compatriot Alexander Volkanovski who previously failed in two attempts to defeat Makhachev.
Volkanovski's quest to become a double champion was thwarted by Makhachev, losing their first encounter by a close decision and suffering a first-round knockout in their rematch. Now, Della Maddalena appears motivated to prevent Makhachev from achieving what Volkanovski couldn't.
According to Statbet analysis, a potential Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev matchup would represent just the third champion vs. champion bout in the UFC this year, highlighting the significance of this possible showdown.
Makhachev responded swiftly to the challenge after consoling his defeated friend Muhammad. "You're not Volkanovski. I'll show you a different level. Keep my belt clean," the lightweight champion warned.
While this welterweight clash looms as a possibility, the lightweight division may see its own developments. With Muhammad's defeat potentially altering plans, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira might face off for an interim or vacant lightweight belt, rather than Makhachev defending against Topuria on June 28 as previously speculated.
Della Maddalena's championship victory and immediate challenge to Makhachev sets up an intriguing narrative that could shape the UFC's championship landscape across multiple divisions in the coming months.
