By FCF Staff

Jack Della Maddalena recorded an impressive upset win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. But, the new welterweight champ is confident he’s in for an even tougher challenge when he battles Islam Makhachev.

Although Della Maddalena hasn’t lost a fight in nearly a decade, the Australian fighter was the betting lines underdog when he battled Muhammad earlier this month. The rugged welterweight proceeded to record a unanimous decision win over Muhammad, and as a result, he’s expected to face the now former, lightweight champ, Makhachev. The renowned fighter has vacated the lightweight title so he can pursue the welterweight title.

More recently, the 28-year-old Della Maddalena (18-2) spoke with The West Sport. While talking about the differences between Muhammad and Makhachev, Della Maddalena acknowledged he’s expecting a tougher test with the former lightweight champ (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“I think Islam is a better version of Belal,” Della Maddalena said. “The striking on the feet, I think it’s easier than Belal because he’s more… he’ll stay in one stance. He’s more [of a] traditional style, but yeah, he’s the pound-for-pound No. 1 so it’s a tough fight.

“But I guess we will just watch all these fights again, make a solid game plan, then just start working at it. From pretty much now, I’m going to start working on ways to beat him, ways to get back to my feet, stuffing the takedown, but I’m pretty confident I can get this one done.”

Makhachev (27-1), who defended the lightweight title four times, is coming off a submission win over Renato Moicano in January.