On Saturday at UFC Perth, Jack Della Maddalena fell further down the UFC welterweight mountain after a heavy defeat to heavy-hitter Carlos Prates.
The Brazilian used his length and speed to fire powerful, accurate shots through the Australian guards. Outside of a round 1 takedown, Della Maddalena’s grappling was ineffective. Then in round 3, Prates landed some dangerous elbows, before a big leg kick took Della Maddalena down and lost by TKO at 3:17 of the third round.
Although this setback has pushed Dela Maddalena far out of the title picture, she is still a former UFC champion with a strong resume. Therefore, it is certain that he will face a big challenge in his next match. With that in mind, let’s look at four next battle options for JDM.
New UFC welterweight rankings: Carlos Prates defeats JDM in UFC Perth main event
Joaquin Buckley vs. Shawn Brady Winner
Next week, top 10 welterweights Joaquin Buckley and Sean Brady will face off on the main card of UFC 328. Any one of these former titles would be a suitable next fight for the list. A fierce battle between JDM and Buckley has the potential to be Fight of the Year. While a showdown with Brady could show once and for all that the 29-year-old’s victory over elite wrestler Belal Muhammad last year was no fluke.
Kamru Usman
After three consecutive losses, welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman scored an impressive victory against Joaquin Buckley last June. He has been on the sidelines since then as he next looks for a title fight against Islam Makhachev. This does not seem possible.
The future Hall of Famer wants fights that interest him. A fight between the two former champs could certainly bring Usman back into the Octagon in the autumn.
leon edwards
Fellow former 170-pound champion Leon Edwards is in a tough situation. After looking like a future welterweight legend in late 2023, the Englishman has lost three in a row, the last two coming at the hands of Brady and Prates. He desperately needs to win.
Yet his name value will not allow him to keep pace with rivals outside the top 10. This is why the plan could be for both Edwards vs. JDM. Additionally, if the bout was a Fight Night headliner in England, it could be the UFC’s last chance to squeeze any remaining name value out of Edwards.
gabriel bonfim
After a surprise defeat to Nicolas Dalby at the end of 2023, Gabriel Bonfim has caught fire. He has won four in a row, including a victory over division great Stephen Thompson last year. If he can defeat former champion Belal Muhammad in June, he deserves the next top-five caliber opponent, and Jack Della Maddalena could be his huckleberry.
#thoughts #Jack #Della #Maddalenas #fight #bad #loss #UFC #Perth #including #Leon #Edwards
