Jack Della Maddalena Says Beating Islam Makhachev in a Rematch Is Still His Biggest Goal

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena (Photo By Imagn Images)

Jack Della Maddalena Says Beating Islam Makhachev in a Rematch Is Still His Biggest Goal

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 10:08 AM ET

UFC 322 was one of the biggest events, where Islam Makhachev moved to welterweight for his second belt and won it in dominant fashion. Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision, marking a one-sided, dominant victory. After the fight, Della Maddalena called for the rematch.

The former welterweight champion is set to face Carlos Prates at UFC Fight Night in Australia. The 29-year-old says his long-term goal is still a rematch with the Dagestani fighter, even though his immediate focus is on Prates. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the Australian fighter said:

“My full focus is Carlos at the moment, but my ultimate goal would be to get the rematch with Makhachev. Whether that happens sooner or later, that doesn’t really bother me, but that’d be.”

Jack Della Maddalena’s only goal is to rematch Islam Makhachev.

“My full focus is Carlos at the moment, but my ultimate goal would be to get the rematch with Makhachev. Whether that happens sooner or later, that doesn’t really bother me, but that’d be my ultimate goal, to get… pic.twitter.com/2fJxzh2Ja9
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) April 25, 2026

“JDM” said he wanted the rematch to test whether he could make the right adjustments and improvements to finally get the win over the Dagestani champion. But Della Maddalena wasn’t the only one wanting a match against Makhachev, as top contenders like Ian Garry also wanted a title shot.

Ian Machado Garry Slams Islam Makhachev For Not Accepting The Fight

Ian Machado Garry joined Ilia Topuria in publicly pressuring Islam Makhachev. After Topuria accused Makhachev of turning down the White House fight, Garry also fired a shot on Instagram over the confusing timeline surrounding Islam’s next defense. In the caption, the 28-year-old wrote:

“First you said you have a hand injury, Dana said August, you’re saying July – I’ve been ready since you last turned me down in May. We’re all waiting on you princess.”

With Garry constantly pushing, the welterweight title picture was getting more heated. Michael Morales was also in the mix, but Garry had become the loudest voice campaigning for the opportunity. Fans were also waiting for the Dagestani fighter’s next fight announcement.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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