Jack Della Maddalena Believes Another Big Win Puts Him Back In Line For Islam Makhachev Rematch

The former UFC welterweight champion is eyeing a redemption arc after losing his title to Makhachev.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Jack Della Maddalena, the former UFC welterweight champion, believes that a big win over a top contender will put him back in line for a rematch against current champion Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena lost his title to Makhachev at UFC 321, but he is now focused on regaining the championship and challenging himself against the new contenders in the division.

Why it matters

Della Maddalena's quest for redemption is a compelling storyline in the UFC welterweight division, which is currently loaded with talented contenders. A win over a top-ranked fighter like Carlos Prates could propel Della Maddalena back into title contention and set up a highly anticipated rematch with Makhachev, who is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

The details

Della Maddalena acknowledges that Makhachev has reached a different stage in his career and has developed in a different way, making the path back to a title shot a difficult one. However, he believes that he can "reign supreme" and is determined to earn another shot at the champion. Della Maddalena's next fight is rumored to be against Prates, and the winner of that bout could be in line for a title fight.

  • At UFC 321, Della Maddalena lost his welterweight title to Makhachev.
  • Della Maddalena is now eyeing a rematch with Makhachev, but believes he needs to earn it through a big win over a top contender.
  • It is rumored that Della Maddalena and Prates could be booked to fight at UFC 327.

The players

Jack Della Maddalena

The former UFC welterweight champion who is looking to regain his title and earn a rematch against current champion Islam Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC welterweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Carlos Prates

A top welterweight contender who is on a tear after knocking out Leon Edwards, and is rumored to be Della Maddalena's next opponent.

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What they’re saying

“My goal is obviously to go back and get the world title back and also to challenge myself against these guys – all those new contenders and really find out who the best is. I believe I can reign supreme. I'd love to get a shot at Islam again; that'd be the dream. But obviously, Islam is at a different stage of his career. Hopefully, I can get to a point where he grants me the rematch.”

— Jack Della Maddalena (Twitter)

What’s next

The winner of the rumored fight between Della Maddalena and Prates at UFC 327 could be in line for a title shot against Makhachev.

The takeaway

Della Maddalena's quest for redemption and a rematch with Makhachev is a compelling storyline in the UFC welterweight division, which is currently stacked with talented contenders. A convincing win over a top-ranked fighter like Prates could put Della Maddalena back in the title conversation and set up a highly anticipated rematch with the champion.