Jack Della Maddalena’s resume is about to get a serious glow-up.
Already scheduled for a UFC London headliner against former welterweight boss Leon Edwards, Australia’s 170lb hope has now rocketed into a title fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, as announced by UFC CEO Dana White via Instagram Live on Thursday.
White confirmed that Della Maddalena, currently ranked #4, would step in after an injury sidelined Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked #2. This change also naturally removed the Australian from his originally scheduled bout against Edwards at UFC London on March 22. Sean Brady will now in to face Edwards in his second main event appearance.
Della Maddalena’s former opponent Edwards lost his UFC strap to Della Maddalena’s new opponent, Muhammad, at UFC 304 in July, 2024.
Muhammad, who was sidelined by a foot injury in December and miss first scheduled title defence at UFC 310, returns to face the undefeated Della Maddalena, who boasts a perfect 7-0 UFC record.
Della Maddalena has also had an extended layoff. In March 2024, he finished former title challenger Gilbert Burns with a flying knee but was sidelined after undergoing surgery for a broken arm. Complications from an infection further delayed his return.
The UFC 315 co-main event features Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot, who enters the bout on a seven-fight UFC win streak with statement-making victories over Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas.
Also on the card, Gilbert Burns will take on rising prospect Michael Morales in another key matchup.
During UFC 312 fight week in Sydney, UFC commentator Jon Anik revealed to Fox Sports that the UFC has big plans for Della Maddalena.
“If Jack Della beats Leon Edwards, he’s fighting for the welterweight title,” Anik said.
“They (the UFC) want a champion from this region, I don’t have to tell you that.
“So if Jack wins, his next fight will be for the belt and Perth, obviously, has been a great destination for us.
“If Jack beats Leon it stands to reason he fights for the belt in Perth later this year.”
That timeline has rapidly moved up.
UFC 315 goes down in Montreal, Canada on May 11.
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