The year-end MMA schedule is stacked, with Jack Della Maddalena set to make his first title defense against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in November. The Dagestani star vacated his lightweight belt before UFC 317 to chase his dream of becoming a two-division champion before retirement. Makhachev’s move came only after the result of Della Maddalena against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, owing to the former champ’s association with Team Khabib.
In that fight, the Aussie showcased his striking, dismantling the Palestinian-American on the feet and earning a decisive win to capture the welterweight strap.