Alex Volkanovski and Jack della Maddalena land title shots in blockbuster month for Australian MMA

Two Aussies are preparing for UFC title fights in what shapes as the biggest month in Australian MMA history, reports BRENDAN BRADFORD.

Alex will fight Diego Lopes at UFC 314. Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Alex Volkanovski and Jack della Maddalena have landed blockbuster UFC title fights within four weeks of each other as Australia prepares for arguably its biggest month in MMA history.

Volkanovski will fight rising tyro Diego Lopes at UFC 314 in Miami on April 12 (April 13 in Australia) after current champion Ilia Topuria’s move up to lightweight.

In news no one saw coming, della Maddalena has been catapulted into a welterweight title fight against champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10 (May 11 in Australia).

Della Maddalena had been scheduled to face former welterweight champ Leon Edwards in a number one contender bout in London in March.

Diego Lopes (L), most recently beat Brian Ortega. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Instead he’ll be thrown straight into his first pay-per-view headliner and a shock world title showdown.

UFC president Dana White kept with the Aussie theme in announcing the fights in an Instagram live video.

The multi-millionaire UFC boss made the announcement from his office in Las Vegas, where the NRL season kicks off in a little over a week.

On a couch in the background, just over White’s right shoulder, sat a Vegas-themed Steeden that the Warriors, Raiders, Sharks and Panthers will use next weekend.

UFC boss Dana White with the NRL Steeden in the background.

White was given the footy when he was in Sydney for UFC 312 just two weeks ago, and the Raiders have even asked if the he will blow the Viking horn ahead of kick-off.

Volkanovski hasn’t fought since his shock second round KO loss to Topuria in February last year, and until this week, wasn’t sure whether his long awaited return would be against the Spaniard or Lopes.

“He’s an exciting young guy, and the UFC is definitely pushing him,” Volkanovski told this masthead of Lopes.

“They’re definitely pushing him and he brings that style and gets finishes.

“He’s willing to fight anyone, anywhere, so he deserves it.”

Lopes has been catapulted into title contention after landing a string of high profile fights on some of the biggest UFC pay-per-view events of the past 12 months.

The Mexico-based Brazilian’s only loss in the UFC is to top five featherweight Movsar Evloev in 2023, but the 30-year-old is now on a five-fight win streak.

Ilia Topuria (L) will move up to lightweight. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

After back-to-back stoppage defeats to Topuria and Islam Makhachev, Volkanovski has taken 12 months off to get refreshed for what is likely his last run at the title.

“He’s obviously calling it out – and everyone’s going to call me out – I’m that guy that everyone calls out,” the 36-year-old said.

“It’s happened once with Topuria, but it ain’t happening again.

“Lopes is dangerous, but when you’re that dangerous, you leave openings, so there’s probably a lot of things I can capitalise on.”

In a five-round co-main event at UFC 314, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler will take on English prospect Paddy Pimblett.

Della Maddalena says he’ll spend most of his training camp in Perth, but wants to travel to Sydney for a super-camp alongside Volkanovski.

Jack Della Maddalena celebrates after his submission victory over Randy Brown at UFC 284 in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s the best guy to pick his brain, and one of the best to ever do it,” della Maddalena said. “We’re pretty similar in some regards, and I was able to train with him last March and get his insight.

“He’s had a lot to say about Belal, so it would be cool to get his insight on how he reckons the best way to approach the fight would be.”

Unbeaten in his last 17 fights, della Maddalena says he’ll become the first man in a decade – and only the second person ever – to stop Muhammad.

“I reckon I can finish him, I really do,” the West Australian told this masthead on Thursday. “He’s been stopped once, and he’s good at holding people down, but I reckon a finish will be an awesome way win the title.”

Della Maddalena is also coming off a long lay-off after the 28-year-old year-old broke his arm in his win over Gilbert Burns last March.

Aussie favourite Jack della Maddalena has landed a title shot. Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Muhammad (L) had been linked to a title defence against Shavkat Rakhmonov (R). Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

He then picked up an infection after surgery, pushing back his return to the Octagon even further.

Della Maddalena had assumed Shavkat Rakhmonov would get the next title shot against Muhammad, but the Kazakh phenom has a long-term injury that will rule him out, possibly for the rest of the year.

“The arm’s good, and I’ve made a full recovery and I’ve been back training,” Della Maddalena told this masthead.

“It was a little bump in the road, but I got over it and the arm feels stronger than it did before the injury.

“It was a bit frustrating watching on, but I also got confidence from it as well. I was watching Belal, Shavkat and Ian Garry and thinking I could do some good work on those fighters.

“I’m just filled with confidence.”

Chicago’s Muhammad caused a boilover last year, snapping longtime champion Edwards’ impressive title reign with a one-sided decision win.

Now 15-3 in the UFC, Muhammad’s showdown with della Maddalena will be his first title defence.

The co-main will see Valentina Shevchenko defend her flyweight world title against Manon Fiorot.

Originally published as Alex Volkanovski and Jack della Maddalena land title shots in blockbuster month for Australian MMA