Jack Della Maddalena stunned fight fans packed inside Montreal’s Bell Centre and, indeed, around the world when he battled to a gruelling unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad in May.
The Western Australian was tipped by many to fall by the wayside under the constant pressure of the defending welterweight champion.
However, Della Maddalena neutralised Muhammad’s relentless forward forays as he claimed the title at UFC 315.
The upset victory kept the Australian’s unbeaten record inside the Octagon alive and swung open the cage doors for a monumental test during his first defence of the belt.
JDM tipped to derail Islam Makhachev’s two-division UFC title dreams
Islam Makhachev had been eying up Muhammad as a potential opponent after he declared his intentions for moving up in weight classes.
Yet the Dagestani was suddenly faced with a very different proposition, if he wanted to climb up and try and win the welterweight belt, after Della Maddalena’s triumph.
Former champion Robert Whittaker had backed his compatriot to get the job done against Muhammad.
Once again, ‘The Reaper’ has voiced his support for the West Aussie to prevail against Makhachev as he attempts to defend his title for the first time in November.
Time to become a double champion #inshaAllahLet’s go
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025
“I think Jack has got a really good shot of stopping the train that is Islam Makhachev,” Whittaker told The Jugo Mobile.
“Jack’s striking, his close range striking, is top-tier.
“The angles on his strikes. He comes up and works the body a lot, which is a good place to strike when the guy just wants to wrestle.”
Makhachev’s trainer, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, acknowledged prior to the fight being announced that Della Maddalena was the toughest potential opponent his best friend could face.
“I think Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam’s career,” Nurmagomedov told Hustle Show.
“None of those other fighters. Not even Ilia [Topuria], if that fight were to happen.
“First of all, Maddalena is twice the size of Ilia.
“Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. His boxing is just as good. And, in grappling, he scrambles really well if you’ve watched him.”
With the two now booked to face off for the welterweight strap in New York City, intrigue abounds.
And Whittaker will be one of many keenly watching the bout as Islam attempts to end the Aussie’s reign at the top in just one fight.
“Jack’s got a good mind for striking but he’s also got that x-factor,” Whittaker added.
“He’s got that x-factor that he can do it, so I’m curious to see how Makhachev comes up.”