Jack Della Maddalena`s title-winning performance at UFC 315 made a significant impression.
Belal Muhammad lost his welterweight championship via decision following a hard-fought five-round battle on Saturday night.
After the fight, Della Maddalena expressed interest in his first title defense being against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who quickly confirmed his intention to move up to the welterweight division (170 lbs) for his next bout.
Now, former UFC welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy has shared his thoughts on this potential matchup.
Dan Hardy Questions Islam Makhachev`s Welterweight Prospects
Dan Hardy is well-known for going the full five rounds against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111 in March 2010.
Although `The Outlaw` never became a world champion, he has since established himself as a highly respected MMA analyst, making his predictions for fights like Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev noteworthy.
“I believe Della Maddalena has a promising future,” Hardy stated on Submission Radio.
“I`m unsure if he`ll hold the belt for a long time or perhaps lose and then regain it from another top contender. However, I don`t foresee him losing it to Makhachev, though.”
He added: “I think Makhachev is capable of defending his lightweight title against anyone globally, even Ilia Topuria. But if he moves up to welterweight, I`m not sure he`d have similar success.”
“Della Maddalena appeared incredibly sharp against Belal, and it makes me curious about Makhachev`s potential performance at welterweight.”
“I question if he`d maintain his strength and conditioning at the higher weight, or if he might appear heavier and risk 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 intention to avenge Alexander Volkanovski`s previous losses.
Makhachev had previously defeated featherweight champion Volkanovski twice, concluding their rivalry with a brutal head-kick knockout at UFC 294 in October 2023.
“You are not Volk, I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean,” Makhachev tweeted in response to Della Maddalena`s remarks concerning Volkanovski.
He also added: “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let`s go.”
Rupert Hartwell