UFC fans are gearing up for two high-stakes events as fighters prepare to take the Octagon by storm. Jack Della Maddalena is set to step up following Shavkat Rakhmonov's withdrawal from UFC 315, where he will challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title. Meanwhile, former champion Alexander Volkanovski has his eyes on reclaiming the featherweight crown at UFC 314 against Diego Lopes.
UFC 315 will take place on May 10, where Della Maddalena faces Muhammad at the Bell Centre in Montreal. This opportunity has come with significant adjustments to Della Maddalena's fight camp, which was initially focused on another opponent. "Feeling good. Obviously different sort of opponent or different strategy involved but I’ve always prepared for fighting grapplers. Belal’s someone I’ve always believed I could beat so it’s just about taking on the opportunity and doing my job," Della Maddalena shared during his recent appearance on Sky Sports New Zealand’s UFC show.
Originally slated to headline UFC Fight Night on March 22, Della Maddalena now aims to leave Montreal with the 170-pound championship title. This fight is especially pivotal for him, as he seeks to establish himself among the elite, capturing gold shortly after uprooting his training plans.
Throughout his ascent within the UFC, Della Maddalena has shown impressive skills, particularly his boxing. With four first-round finishes since joining the promotion, he has built considerable momentum. Despite primarily associatively being with their grappling strategies, he showcases confidence against wrestlers like Muhammad, who, though known for his improved stand-up game, predominantly leans toward wrestling techniques.
Yet, Della Maddalena's path to victory hinges on keeping the fight standing. His takedown defense stands at 70%, significantly impacted by his last fight against Gilbert Burns, where he faced challenges on the ground. Observers note the statistical advantage of grapplers like Muhammad, who succeeded multiple times against elite competitors. Della Maddalena's camp will need to reinforce his ability to return to his feet should he face takedown attempts from Muhammad.
On the other hand, Volkanovski anxiously awaits his own challenge at UFC 314 scheduled for April 12. The 36-year-old fighter is stepping back after enduring the second-longest layoff of his UFC career. He last fought at UFC 298, where he lost his title to Ilia Topuria via second-round knockout. With the belt now vacated, Volkanovski anticipates reclaiming it from Lopes. Addressing the challenges of his hiatus and the need to gauge his performance, he remarked, "I'm expecting to maybe have a few more. A couple more, few more. We'll see," indicating his desire to continue his legacy within the sport.
Seeking to return stronger, he aims to bring home the groove once again. "I want to have one last crack and get really stuck to it. Win the belt, defend it, maybe defend it again, or one big fight after defense, we'll see," Volkanovski stated. His hunger for victory and eagerness to validate his abilities, especially after his loss, are palpable.
With his goal to defend the title soon after UFC 314, Volkanovski eyed Movsar Evloev as his next challenge. Volkanovski’s determination resonates as he declares, "I'm bringing the belt back home," reflecting his confidence as he faces Lopes and solidifying his intent to sway naysayers.
Both events signify pivotal moments for these fighters as they seek not just victories but also to solidify their places within the UFC hierarchy. With adjustments to training camps, potential rivalries, and pathways to championships, the upcoming months promise excitement for MMA fans as they eagerly monitor developments leading to UFC 314 and 315.