Jack Della Maddalena Calls Belal Muhammad’s Fight Style “Boring”

Slugfest in the Works? Jack Della Maddalena Ready to Exchange with Welterweight Champ Belal Muhammad

When Jack Della Maddalena says he’s ready for a firefight with Belal Muhammad, you better believe he means it. The Australian knockout artist is eyeing his shot at UFC gold with the kind of confidence that only comes from having dynamite in both hands.

But there’s a catch – and JDM knows it all too well.

While appearing on a recent podcast, Della Maddalena made it clear he’d welcome a stand-up war with the newly crowned welterweight champion, even though he’s not holding his breath waiting for it to happen.

The Striker vs. The Grappler: A Classic UFC Tale

Let’s be real – stylistic matchups make fights interesting, and this potential showdown has all the makings of a classic striker vs. grappler scenario. Della Maddalena brings a boxing-heavy approach with devastating power, while Muhammad has built his championship resume on relentless pressure and wrestling.

“I’d love nothing more than to stand and trade with Belal,” Della Maddalena said. “That would be the dream scenario for me and probably for the fans too. But I’m not naive – I know exactly what his gameplan would be.”

Muhammad, who finally captured UFC gold after years of being overlooked, isn’t likely to abandon the approach that got him to the mountain top. Why would he?

The Australian’s Path to a Title Shot

I’ve been watching Della Maddalena’s rise through the welterweight ranks, and it’s been nothing short of spectacular. Seven straight UFC wins, with five of those coming by knockout, have positioned the Perth native as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.

After dispatching Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, JDM put himself firmly in the title conversation. His precise striking and uncanny ability to find finishing shots even when opponents are desperate to clinch make him a nightmare matchup for anyone willing to stand with him.

But here’s the million-dollar question: will he get the next shot at Muhammad?

Wrestling: The Great Equalizer

Della Maddalena isn’t living in fantasy land. He understands the blueprint to neutralize his devastating striking exists, and Muhammad is a master at executing game plans.

“I’m preparing for the wrestling,” Della Maddalena admitted. “Every day in the gym, I’m working on my takedown defense and getting back to my feet. That’s just being realistic about what I’d face against Belal.”

Muhammad’s dominant win over Leon Edwards showcased his ability to implement a grappling-heavy approach against even the most dangerous strikers. The champion’s cardio and pressure have become his calling cards, wearing down opponents round after round.

What Makes This Fight Intriguing

You might think this is just another striker vs. grappler matchup, but there’s more nuance here. Della Maddalena’s takedown defense has improved dramatically, and his ability to create scrambles has kept him out of trouble against previous wrestling-oriented opponents.

Meanwhile, Muhammad’s striking, while not his primary weapon, has developed into a reliable tool that sets up his takedowns. He’s not just a one-dimensional fighter anymore.

The chess match would come down to whether Della Maddalena could keep the fight standing long enough to land his devastating combinations or if Muhammad could implement his grinding style to neutralize the Australian’s power.

When Could We See This Fight?

While nothing is official yet, the UFC seems to be leaning toward Della Maddalena as the next challenger. With Shavkat Rakhmonov dealing with injury issues and Kamaru Usman focused elsewhere, the timing could be perfect for the Australian.

A potential showdown could land on a pay-per-view card in early 2025, possibly in a location that splits the difference between Muhammad’s Chicago base and Della Maddalena’s Australian home.

Can JDM Do What Others Couldn’t?

The question that makes this potential matchup so compelling is whether Della Maddalena has the tools to succeed where Leon Edwards, Gilbert Burns, and others have failed. His takedown defense will be tested like never before, but his offensive striking is arguably more dangerous than anyone Muhammad has faced.

One thing’s certain – Della Maddalena won’t be intimidated. The Australian has shown ice in his veins throughout his UFC run, remaining calm even in the most heated exchanges.

“I respect what Belal has accomplished,” Della Maddalena said. “But I believe in my abilities, and I think I bring something to the table that he hasn’t seen before.”

What’s Your Take?

Would Jack Della Maddalena have what it takes to dethrone the newly crowned champion? Or would Belal Muhammad’s wrestling and pressure prove too much for the striking specialist?

As we wait for official fight news, one thing’s certain – the welterweight division remains one of the most exciting weight classes in the UFC, with compelling matchups everywhere you look.

Drop a comment below with your prediction for this potential title showdown!