Jack Della Maddalena has a championship-sized target on his back after UFC 315.
The new UFC welterweight titleholder overcame the odds this past Saturday with his unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad. A lot hinged on the result of the title tilt, ranging from general contention within the welterweight division to the next move of pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.
The latter made his voice heard immediately after Della Maddalena's victory, expressing his intentions to go up and challenge "JDM" for a second UFC title. That move was subsequently confirmed Tuesday afternoon when UFC CEO Dana White announced that Makhachev has vacated his long-held UFC lightweight title and is set to challenge Della Maddalena for the 170-pound belt later in 2025.