So, it played out exactly the way many expected. Jack Della Maddalena dropped a unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev in the UFC 322 main event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Coming off his win over Belal Muhammad earlier this month, JDM had earned some confidence and late predictions in his favor. 

But ultimately, Makhachev’s grappling proved to be on an entirely different level. Now the big question is: who’s next for the former UFC welterweight champion? The challenge is that, after this loss, there aren’t many obvious comeback matchups immediately available for the Aussie. Still, there are a few compelling options that could make sense for his return. 

Jack Della Maddalenna needs a comeback

Days before the fight, UFC CEO Dana White was asked whether Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales would serve as a title eliminator for the welterweight belt—and he confirmed it would. With Morales emerging victorious, he’s unlikely to get Islam Makhachev next, but Brady, despite the loss, could still find himself matched up with Jack Della Maddalena.

A JDM vs. Brady matchup would give both men a chance to rebound while offering an intriguing clash of styles. Beyond that, the Australian could also be in play for the loser of Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry later this month, or even Leon Edwards, who just dropped a second-round knockout to Carlos Prates on the UFC 322 undercard.

JDM has also expressed interest in facing Kamaru Usman—a possibility if Makhachev, who also wants Usman, goes in another direction. A less likely but still compelling option is Shavkat Rakhmonov, who hasn’t competed since last December.

If the Kazakh contender returns and gets paired with ‘JDM,’ it would be a dangerous matchup. But far from an impossible one. The two have already traded words recently, adding fuel to a potential showdown that fans would be eager to see.

Shavkat Rakhmonov lashes out at Maddalena

Before UFC 322, Shavkat Rakhmonov fired back after Jack Della Maddalena suggested the division had moved on during his absence. Della Maddalena questioned Rakhmonov’s status as the No. 1 contender, saying, “If you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind… How can Shavkat stay in that top position when these guys are fighting?”

That didn’t sit well with the undefeated Kazakh star, who took to Twitter to remind the champion how he got his opportunity in the first place. Rakhmonov wrote, “The only reason you got that title shot was my injury. Funny how you forgot you were inactive for almost 14 months before that 🙎‍♂️.”

Rakhmonov’s withdrawal earlier this year opened the door for Della Maddalena to step in and eventually claim the welterweight title.

Having said that, Jack Della Maddalena may have stumbled with the loss to Islam Makhachev, but all hope is not lost. He can make a comeback among the welterweight elites with these potential fights. What do you think?