Stephen Thompson explains being against Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev next

USA Today

09-07-2025

Stephen Thompson doesn't think Jack Della Maddalena should face Islam Makhachev for his first UFC welterweight title defense.
Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) dethroned Belal Muhammad to claim the belt at UFC 315 in May. That immediately set up his first title defense against Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), who relinquished his lightweight title for a move up to 170 pounds.
Thompson's issue isn't so much about Makhachev. It's more about Della Maddalena, whom he says should be granting the opportunity to top contenders first after having just won the belt.
"First off, I've got to say, if I was Shavkat Rakhmonov or Ian Garry, or somebody that is right there who's worked really hard to get there, I'd be pretty pissed," Thompson told MMA Junkie. "Because this guy JDM just got the title and then he's giving somebody else a shot at what I've earned the right to have, which is a title shot. Like, give JDM one or two more guys. If he beats them, then give him somebody outside the division. But I would be kind of pissed. I'd be kind of upset that they're giving this guy immediately somebody from the 155-pound division."
That being said, former title challenger Thompson sees Della Maddalena being a stern test for Makhachev.
"Now, I think it's a very tough fight for Islam Makhachev," Thompson said. "Bigger guy, somebody who won the title from somebody with a similar style in Belal Muhammad. I do believe Islam Makhachev's striking is a lot better than Belal Muhammad's, but their pressure, their cardio, their wrestling background, fairly similar. Obviously, I think one would be better than the other, but he's faced somebody exactly like him. So, I think it would be a tough fight for Islam for sure."