Jack Della Maddalena made a significant impression with his championship performance at UFC 315.
Belal Muhammad was defeated by decision, losing his welterweight title after a brutal five-round fight on Saturday.
After the fight, Della Maddalena expressed interest in defending his newly won title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev soon after stated his plan to move up to the welterweight division (170lbs) for his next bout.
Now, Dan Hardy, a former challenger for the UFC welterweight title, has shared his perspective on this potential fight.
Dan Hardy Expresses Doubt About Islam Makhachev`s Potential at Welterweight
Dan Hardy is known for his five-round championship fight against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111 in March 2010.
Though `The Outlaw` didn`t win the title, he has become a respected MMA analyst, making his predictions on potential fights like Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev noteworthy.
Hardy discussed the potential matchup with Submission Radio:
“I think Della Maddalena has a bright future.”
“I don’t know if he`s going to keep the belt long-term or if he`ll lose it to a top contender and then regain it later. However, I don`t believe he`ll lose it to Makhachev.”
“I believe Makhachev is the best lightweight in the world right now… However, I don’t think he would have much success if he moved up to welterweight [against Della Maddalena].”
“Della Maddalena appeared incredibly sharp against Belal, and I question how Makhachev would look competing at welterweight.”
“I wonder if he`d maintain his strength and conditioning, or if he`d be heavier, potentially tiring out, especially stepping directly into a five-round championship bout.”
Islam Makhachev Responds to Jack Della Maddalena
Following his title victory at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena stated his desire to avenge Alexander Volkanovski`s previous losses to Makhachev.
Makhachev defeated Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, twice, most recently securing a decisive head-kick knockout at UFC 294 in October 2023.
In response to Della Maddalena mentioning Volkanovski, Makhachev tweeted:
“You are not Volk, I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean.”
He followed up with another tweet:
“Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let’s go.”
Jack Thornley