An undefeated contender’s long-awaited return could collide with a former champion’s road back to the welterweight title in a potential five-round main event.
The UFC’s welterweight division could be heading toward one of its most intriguing matchups of 2027.
Undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov and former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena have reportedly been linked to a potential five-round main event at UFC Dallas in 2027. The matchup, if finalized, would bring together two of the division’s most dangerous fighters at very different stages of their careers.
According to reports from MMA Sucka and Fight Sports, the potential showdown has emerged following changes to the welterweight title picture. However, the UFC has not officially announced the fight, and no date or venue has been confirmed for the rumored Dallas event.
For Rakhmonov, the matchup would mark a highly anticipated return to the Octagon. For Della Maddalena, it could provide an opportunity to reenter the championship conversation after losing his title to Islam Makhachev.
Rakhmonov’s Long-Awaited Return
Shavkat Rakhmonov has remained one of the UFC’s most compelling welterweight contenders despite an extended period away from competition.
The Kazakhstan native carries an undefeated professional record of 19–0, with 18 of those victories coming by stoppage. His combination of striking, relentless pressure, and submission skills has made him one of the division’s most difficult opponents.
His most recent appearance came against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024, where Rakhmonov secured a unanimous decision victory. The fight marked the first time in his professional career that he had gone the distance.
Although the result preserved his undefeated record, subsequent injury setbacks and inactivity have delayed his pursuit of UFC gold.
A matchup against Della Maddalena would immediately place Rakhmonov back into a high-profile contest against a former champion. It would also offer an opportunity to demonstrate whether he can maintain the same level of performance after a lengthy absence.
Della Maddalena’s Road Back to the Title
For Jack Della Maddalena, the rumored matchup represents a different challenge.
The Australian established himself among the world’s elite welterweights through his sharp boxing, precise combinations, and ability to maintain offensive pressure against top-level competition.
His rise culminated in a UFC welterweight championship victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May 2025. However, his reign ended when Islam Makhachev defeated him at UFC 322 in November 2025.
Now carrying a reported professional record of 18–4, Della Maddalena faces the challenge of rebuilding his position in an increasingly competitive division.
A victory over an undefeated contender such as Rakhmonov would be a significant statement. Rather than taking a gradual route back toward the championship, Della Maddalena could potentially defeat one of the most highly regarded fighters at 170 pounds and strengthen his case for another title opportunity.
The Australian has also expressed interest in facing Rakhmonov, making the rumored pairing particularly compelling.
A Clash of Styles With Championship Implications
Beyond the rankings, the potential matchup offers an interesting tactical battle.
Jack Della Maddalena is widely recognized for his technical boxing, effective body work, and ability to find openings through combinations. His success often comes from controlling exchanges on the feet and forcing opponents to react to his striking.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, meanwhile, presents a more varied offensive threat.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall with a lengthy reach, the Kazakh contender combines long-range striking with clinch work, takedowns, and dangerous submissions. His ability to transition between phases of a fight has been a defining feature of his undefeated career.
One of the central questions would be whether Della Maddalena could maintain the fight at boxing range or whether Rakhmonov could disrupt his rhythm through grappling exchanges.
A five-round contest would add another dimension, particularly considering Rakhmonov’s extended inactivity and Della Maddalena’s experience competing in championship fights.
What’s at Stake for the Welterweight Division?
With Islam Makhachev occupying the championship picture, the UFC’s welterweight contenders face increasing pressure to secure victories over established opposition.
Shavkat Rakhmonov has long been viewed as a future title challenger, but inactivity has complicated his path. A victory over Della Maddalena would provide an immediate reminder of his standing among the division’s elite.
For Della Maddalena, defeating an undefeated contender could offer one of the strongest possible arguments for another opportunity against Makhachev.
The matchup would also give the UFC a major international attraction, pairing a prominent Kazakh contender with one of Australia’s biggest MMA stars.
While neither fighter has been officially booked for UFC Dallas, the potential stakes make the contest a logical option for a major Fight Night headliner.
UFC Dallas Remains Unconfirmed
For now, the proposed matchup remains a rumor rather than an official UFC booking.
Neither a signed bout agreement nor a confirmed event date has been publicly established through the reports cited. Until the promotion makes an announcement, the fighters’ participation and the proposed five-round main-event designation should be treated as tentative.
Still, a showdown between Rakhmonov and Della Maddalena would carry significant implications for the welterweight division, potentially determining which fighter moves closer to another championship opportunity in 2027.
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