Jack Della Maddalena`s performance at UFC 315, where he won the welterweight title, left a strong impression on many observers.
On Saturday night, Belal Muhammad was defeated by decision in a grueling five-round title bout, losing his welterweight championship to Della Maddalena.
Following his victory, Jack Della Maddalena expressed interest in defending his newly acquired title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev soon after stated his intention to move up to the 170lb division for his next fight.
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy has now shared his perspective on the potential clash.
Dan Hardy unsure about Islam Makhachev at welterweight
Dan Hardy is known for going the distance in a five-round fight against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111 in March 2010.
While `The Outlaw` didn`t achieve his dream of becoming a world champion, he has become a respected analyst in MMA, making his predictions, such as on a potential Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev bout, noteworthy.
Speaking to Submission Radio, Hardy commented, “I think Della Maddalena has a bright future.”
He continued, “I don`t know if he`s going to hold the belt or if he`s going to lose it to one of the top contenders and then pick it back up again. I don`t think he`s going to lose it to Makhachev, though.”
Hardy stated, “I think Makhachev holds the lightweight belt against anyone in the world on any day, including Ilia Topuria.” However, regarding a move up, he added, “I don’t think if he moved up, he’d have much success against [Della Maddalena].”
He praised Della Maddalena`s recent performance, saying, “Della Maddalena looked very, very sharp against Belal, and I wonder what Makhachev would look like as a welterweight.”
Hardy pondered the physical aspect, “Whether he would look as strong and as lean, or whether he’d look heavier and potentially gas himself out because he’d be stepping straight into a five-round fight.”
Islam Makhachev’s message to Jack Della Maddalena
Following his win at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena expressed a desire to avenge Alexander Volkanovski`s previous losses to Makhachev.
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski had faced Islam Makhachev twice, with their rivalry concluding in October 2023 at UFC 294 via a powerful head-kick knockout by Makhachev.
Responding to Della Maddalena`s comments referencing Volkanovski, Makhachev tweeted, “You are not Volk, I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean.”
He also added, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let’s go.”
