Jack Della Maddalena's Journey to UFC Champion

Jack Della Maddalena, the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion, recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to discuss his monumental victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025. This career-defining win in Montreal marked a significant milestone for the fighter from Perth, Australia. During the conversation, Della Maddalena reflected on the intense battle, describing it as a war of attrition that tested his skills and resilience. He highlighted how this victory solidified his place at the top of the welterweight division.

Training Insights with Craig Jones

At around the 4:30 mark, Della Maddalena delved into his preparation for the fight, crediting his work with grappling coach Craig Jones. He explained how their training sessions focused on improving his wrestling defense, an area he had struggled with earlier in his UFC career. This strategic focus proved crucial against Muhammad, known for his grappling prowess. Della Maddalena emphasized that the collaboration with Jones helped him neutralize threats on the ground, allowing him to dominate with his striking.

The Significance of the UFC Belt

Shifting topics near the 16:55 timestamp, Della Maddalena shared his thoughts on what holding the UFC welterweight title means to him. Surprisingly, he admitted that the belt itself doesn't carry much personal significance. Instead, he views it as a symbol of the hard work and dedication he has poured into his career. His focus remains on the challenges ahead rather than resting on his laurels as champion.

Responding to Islam Makhachev's Callout

At approximately the 30:00 point in the interview, the discussion turned to Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion who has expressed interest in moving up to welterweight to challenge for Della Maddalena's title. Della Maddalena addressed Makhachev's comments, interpreting them as a sign of disrespect. He expressed confidence in his striking ability, stating that he believes he can handle Makhachev's stand-up game. He also noted that his recent fight against Muhammad served as good preparation for a potential matchup with Makhachev, given the similarities in their wrestling-heavy styles.

Future Fights and Return Timeline

Towards the 35:15 mark, Della Maddalena touched on other potential contenders in the welterweight division, mentioning names like Sean Brady and Ian Garry. He expressed interest in facing top competition to further cement his legacy. Later, around the 38:25 segment, he discussed his expected return to the octagon. While no specific date was confirmed, he indicated a desire to recover fully from the grueling fight before stepping back into training camp for his next challenge.