UFC 315 marked the rise of a new welterweight champion as Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to claim the title. For his first defense, a bout with Islam Makhachev is nearly finalized. However, UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley has raised doubts about Della Maddalena’s readiness to defend his belt.
Buckley thinks the UFC is pushing for a fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena soon. However, ‘New Mansa’ pointed out that the current welterweight champ just came off a grueling five-round battle, and he doubts JDM will be ready for that matchup. Criticizing Della Maddalena’s performance, Buckley added that he made Belal Muhammad look like he had “Canelo hands.” In a recent interview with Demetrious Johnson, Buckley said,
“Once I beat Kamaru Usman, I can definitely see UFC putting me in a place where it’s either for the interim belt or they just make JDM vacate because nobody cares about his name. Me and Islam might fight for that belt.”
Joaquin Buckley questions JDM's readiness after five-round war says no one cares about his name and believes he might fight Islam for the belt 👀🏆
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 13, 2025
"UFC is trying to make Islam vs JDM happen, but JDM just went through a whole five-round war. I don’t think JDM's gonna make it to… pic.twitter.com/0nNLAm6Uon
‘New Mansa’ is scheduled to take on Kamaru Usman, and the winner is expected to emerge as a top title contender. This puts Buckley in a strong position, with a real chance of earning a title shot if he gets past the former champion.
Kamaru Usman Hints At Islam Makhachev Clash As Ideal Retirement Bout
Islam Makhachev’s jump to the welterweight division has stirred excitement across the UFC, with his manager confirming a title shot against Jack Della Maddalena is already in motion. Among those eyeing a future showdown with the Dagestani star is former champion Kamaru Usman, who sees a potential clash with Makhachev as the perfect send-off for his career. Speaking to Kevin Iole, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ shared,
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“I do think Islam has the ability to do it, but it’s not going to be easy. Fast forward — current pound-for-pound vs. former pound-for-pound — I think that’s a blockbuster. That would be a great outing to go out there and get a blockbuster before I sail off.”
Before that dream fight can become reality, Usman will need to get through Joaquin Buckley in their upcoming Fight Night bout. A win that could launch him right back into title contention.
Also Read: Belal Muhammad Teases Return On Same PPV As Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
