MMA fans are buzzing over a developing rivalry between Jack Della Maddalena and Ilia Topuria, sparked by a recent exchange involving the BMF title. The feud escalated when Della Maddalena responded directly to Topuria’s claim over the belt, igniting discussions about a potential future showdown.
Topuria had commented on Max Holloway’s successful defense of the BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 by tweeting “Still mine,” implying he deserved the belt. Della Maddalena quickly dismissed these remarks, stating:
“Little fella is a little confused. It’s actually mine.”
This back-and-forth soon drew wide reactions from fans online. Some compared the emerging rivalry to the intense competition previously seen with Conor McGregor, highlighting Topuria’s rising profile. One fan commented:
“Everyone wants to fight Ilia. He is the new McGregor”
Another fan analyzed the potential matchup’s appeal, writing:
“This fight would be absolutely insane tbh. Two of the best boxers in the UFC… huge Topuria and JDM fan, JDM obviously wins tho… way too big”
Other fans pointed to the unique nature of the BMF title, clarifying its distinction from typical championship belts. One explained:
“People confuse the BMF title with a regular title. No. Even if you beat the one with that belt doesn’t make you the new BMF title holder. You have to fit the criteria to be eligible to compete for it. Usman was never a BMF.”
Another fan followed up with a breakdown of the belt’s lineage, saying:
“Oh sh*t… wait, technically he is right… Masvidal had it and lost to Usman. Usman lost to Edwards, who then lost to the bad motherfucker @bullyb170, who then lost it to JDM.”
Currently, Della Maddalena is preparing to defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev, who recently vacated the lightweight crown. Meanwhile, Topuria claimed the undisputed 155-pound championship by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last month, setting the stage for both fighters to make significant strides in their careers.
Ilia Topuria’s Strategic Advice for Della Maddalena Ahead of Title Defense
Before UFC 317, Topuria appeared in an interview with Niko Pajarillo of Fox Sports Australia to discuss the upcoming welterweight title situation, including Della Maddalena’s anticipated bout against Islam Makhachev. He offered specific tactical advice for Della Maddalena, emphasizing the importance of body strikes against Makhachev’s style.
“The advice, [Della Maddalena] has to work the straight body shots because that takes away the intentions of the takedown. If he works with the straight body shots, he’s going to stop his intentions of the takedowns and he’s doing a great job of striking. I like how he fights.” — Ilia Topuria
This insight reflects Topuria’s respect for Della Maddalena’s striking skill, even amid their growing rivalry, and highlights the tactical depth both fighters bring into their divisions.
The ongoing exchange between these competitors not only excites fans but also hints at the possibility of a future clash that could shift the dynamics in their weight classes. As Della Maddalena solidifies his position in the welterweight division and Topuria dominates lightweight, their competitive tension is likely to remain a focal point for MMA audiences worldwide.