New Champion

The UFC’s welterweight division has suddenly become a hotbed of rising talent.  The title has rapidly changed hands in recent years, and Jack Della Maddalena has shaken things up even further.  Heading into this fight, many people favored Belal Muhammad in the matchup.  Belal came into this fight with much more experience in high profile fights.  Moreover, Della Maddalena had previously shown some weakness in his takedown defense, which seemingly played into Belal’s strengths.  

Image, Jack Della Maddalena – BBC

The fight itself, however, largely took place on the feet, where Jack displayed his high-level boxing.  Belal had success of his own, but never landed with the same power as Jack.  In the championship rounds, Belal began pursuing the takedown more aggressively, and seemed to gain momentum.  He scored a well-timed takedown in round 5, but Della Maddalena managed to get back to his feet.  Both fighters landed big shots, but Della Maddalena inflicted much more damage, enough to secure the welterweight title. 

Next Steps

Image, Jack Della Maddalena vs Belal Muhammad – MMA Fighting

 

The next steps for both fighters moving forward are almost as interesting as the fight itself.  Della Maddalena’s win seemingly paves the way for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to move up and face Jack for the 170 pound title.  This matchup would pose interesting stylistic challenges for both men.  Islam likely boasts even better grappling than Belal, but will lack the strength advantage that he enjoys at lightweight.  Conversely, however, Islam may look rejuvenated with a lighter weight cut.  Furthermore, although Jack boasts impressive boxing, Makhachev is no slouch in the striking.  That fight could cement Islam as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, or could instead mark the beginning of an exciting title reign for Della Maddalena.  

Meanwhile, the rest of the welterweight division has surely taken notice of this fight.  Contenders like Shavkat Rakhmanov, Sean Brady, and Joaquin Buckley are eager to challenge Della Maddalena or possibly Islam Makhachev for the belt.  While the prospect of a super fight is exciting, the welterweight mainstays may be even more dangerous.  Rakhmanov remains undefeated and can finish the fight at any time.  Brady has proven to be an otherworldly grappling threat.  And Joaquin Buckley possesses the explosiveness and athleticism to challenge any opponent.  The UFC’s welterweight division is full of exciting stories and fights to come.

Image, Jack Della Maddalena v Bassil Hafez – MMA Mania