Jason Burgos
On Saturday at UFC Perth, Jack Della Maddalena tumbled further down the UFC welterweight mountain after a dominant loss to heavy-hitter Carlos Prates.
The Brazilian used his length and speed to score hard, pinpoint shots through the middle of the Aussie’s guard. Outside of a Round 1 takedown, Della Maddalena’s grappling was ineffective. Then in Round 3, Prates landed some vicious elbows before a big leg kick downed Della Maddalena and led to a TKO defeat at 3:17 of the third round.
Although the setback pushes Della Maddalena far outside the title picture, he is still a former UFC champion with a strong resume. So he is sure to get a major fight in his next outing. With that in mind, let’s look at four next fight options for JDM.
New UFC Welterweight Rankings: Carlos Prates Demolishes JDM in UFC Perth Main Event
Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady Winner
Next week, top 10 welterweights Joaquin Buckley and Sean Brady face off on the main card of UFC 328. Either would be a fitting next fight for the former titlist. A striking battle between JDM and Buckley has Fight of the Year potential. While a clash with Brady can show once and for all that the 29-year-old’s win over elite grappler Belal Muhammad last year was no fluke.
Kamaru Usman
After three straight losses, welterweight legend Kamaru Usman scored an impressive must-win last June against Joaquin Buckley. He has remained on the sidelines since as he seeks out a title fight against Islam Makhachev next. That looks unlikely to happen.
The future Hall of Famer wants fights that interest him. A battle of two former champs could certainly bring Usman back to the Octagon in the fall.
Leon Edwards
Fellow former 170-pound champ Leon Edwards is in a tough spot. After looking like a future welterweight legend at the end of 2023, the Englishman has lost three straight, with the last two being finishes at the hands of Brady and Prates. He badly needs a win.
Yet his name value won’t allow for a tune-up fight with an opponent outside the top 10. That is why Edwards vs. JDM could be the plan for both. Plus, it might be the UFC’s last chance to squeeze the remaining name value out of Edwards if the bout was a Fight Night headliner in England.
Gabriel Bonfim
After a surprise loss to Nicolas Dalby at the end of 2023, Gabriel Bonfim has caught fire. He has won four straight, including a win over division great Stephen Thompson last year. If he can defeat former champion Belal Muhammad in June, he deserves a top-five caliber opponent next, and Jack Della Maddalena could be his huckleberry.
