A potential clash between two formidable UFC welterweights, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Jack Della Maddalena, is looming on the horizon.
Following Maddalena’s impressive comeback victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, Rakhmonov responded to his callout with a mix of respect and confidence. Taking to social media, he acknowledged Maddalena’s courage but warned him that he would meet the same fate as his previous adversaries.
Rakhmonov, aged 29, currently sits at the No. 3 spot in the UFC rankings, boasting an impressive six-fight winning streak. His recent victory over two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 further solidified his position and sparked discussions about a potential title shot.
Meanwhile, Maddalena’s knockout win over Burns at UFC 299 has put him in contention for the No. 4 spot previously held by “Durinho” in the UFC rankings (he stands at No. 5 in MMA Fighting’s rankings). This positions him as a strong contender for a title eliminator bout against Rakhmonov, given their respective rankings and recent performances.
Maddalena’s victory marked his seventh consecutive win, showcasing his skill and determination. By directly calling out Rakhmonov, Maddalena has demonstrated his willingness to face top-tier opponents, contrasting with Rakhmonov’s reported struggles in finding suitable challenges.