A matchup between top UFC welterweights Shavkat Rakhmonov and Jacques Della Maddalena seems possible, at least in theory.
Rakhmonov welcomed Maddalena's call-up on Sunday at UFC 299, where the Australian standout scored a come-from-behind stoppage of Gilbert Burns.
“Jack, I respect your courage and confidence, but you will meet the same fate as my former enemy,” he wrote to X.
Jack, I respect your courage and confidence, but you will face the same fate as my former enemy.
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) March 10, 2024
Rakhmonov, 29, is currently ranked No. 3 in the promotion's rankings (and No. 3 in the MMA Fighting World Rankings) on the strength of a six-fight winning streak. He most recently stopped two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 296, which got more people talking about a potential title shot.
With his stunning KO of former title challenger Burns, Maddalena could dethrone Durinho's No. 4 spot in the promotion's rankings (fifth on the mixed martial arts list). That would make him a top contender for the title eliminator as a Kazakh mixed martial artist.
Maddalena snapped a seven-fight win streak with his win at UFC 299. He also distinguished himself by calling out Rachmonov, who reportedly has trouble finding top-tier opponents.
