Della Maddalena says Rakhmonov lost No. 1 contender status

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UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena says Shavkat Rakhmonov is no longer the division’s top contender because he has not fought since defeating Ian Machado Garry in 2024. Della Maddalena believes the welterweight landscape has changed during Rakhmonov’s absence due to a knee injury, according to Mmafighting.com.

The 29-year-old Australian champion says fighters like Sean Brady and Garry have stayed active and moved up, making it difficult for Rakhmonov to keep the No. 1 spot without competing. He states that inactivity causes contenders to fall behind, but he is ready to face Rakhmonov if the UFC sets the matchup.

Della Maddalena himself has remained active in the UFC, working to secure his position at the top. This Saturday, he is scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev, a close friend of former MMA superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov.