{"id":282397,"date":"2025-11-14T10:59:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T10:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/282397\/"},"modified":"2025-11-14T10:59:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T10:59:12","slug":"shavkat-rakhmonov-claps-back-at-jack-della-maddalena-reminds-him-of-his-own-injury-troubles-ahead-of-ufc-322","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/282397\/","title":{"rendered":"Shavkat Rakhmonov Claps Back At Jack Della Maddalena, Reminds Him Of His Own Injury Troubles Ahead Of UFC 322"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t \"Shavkat<\/a>December 6, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, Nv, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV -DECEMBER 6:Shavkat Rakhmonov steps on the scale for the official weigh-ins for UFC310 – Pantoja vs Asakura at UFC Apex on December 6, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada \/PxImages Las Vegas, Nevada United States – ZUMAp175 20241206_zsa_p175_001 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex\t\t\t \t\t\t <\/p>\n

UFC 322 is shaping up to be the biggest test of Jack Della Maddalena\u2019s career as he prepares to defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev at the legendary Madison Square Garden<\/a>. Both men enter the fight on massive winning streaks, but the stakes are especially high for Makhachev. A victory would give the Dagestani star two-division gold, tie Anderson Silva\u2019s historic 16-fight UFC win streak, and potentially reclaim the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot.<\/p>\n

For Della Maddalena, a win would solidify his status as the future of the 170-pound division<\/a>. Despite calling Makhachev his toughest test to date, the Australian has already begun sizing up future contenders. Notably, his list did not include unbeaten phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov, a move many saw as a subtle dig from the champion. Now, the Kazakh powerhouse has finally issued his response to the reigning welterweight king.<\/p>\n

Shavkat Rakhmonov Calls Out Jack Della Maddalena\u2019s 14-Month Layoff<\/p>\n

For those unaware, Rakhmonov was originally lined up to face Belal Muhammad long before Della Maddalena entered the title picture. However, a severe bone injury suffered by Muhammad ahead of UFC 310<\/a> in December 2024 derailed their matchup, forcing him to withdraw.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That change in plans led Rakhmonov to face Ian Garry instead, a competitive fight that saw the Kazakh standout retain his undefeated record. But fate had more twists in store. Not long after, Rakhmonov himself was sidelined by a serious knee injury requiring surgery. He has now been out of action for more than a year, with no clear update on his return.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Because of this lengthy layoff, Della Maddalena shifted his attention toward more active contenders like Garry and Sean Brady. Speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of UFC 322 about Rakhmonov\u2019s status as the No. 1 contender, the champion said, \u201cIt\u2019s hard for me to tell. I think the division has moved on.\u201d<\/p>\n

ALSO READ: Reinier de Ridder Makes Shocking Revelation About His Health Weeks After UFC Vancouver Collapse<\/a><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cIf you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind. I think that\u2019s where it is. Someone like Sean Brady has been so active, Ian Garry, these guys are very active. How can Shavkat stay in that top position when these guys are fighting guys? It\u2019s a hard one, but I\u2019ll just do whatever I\u2019m told. Whoever\u2019s next is who the UFC tells me is next.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, the Kazakh contender has fired back with a sharp response. Taking to social media, he reminded the champion of one crucial detail, \u201cThe only reason you got that title shot was my injury.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also pointed out Della Maddalena\u2019s own period of inactivity, adding, \u201cFunny you forgot you were inactive for almost 14 months before that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The only reason you got that title shot was my injury.
Funny how you forgot you were inactive for almost 14 months before that \ud83e\udd26\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2642\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/ucpccX3zeG<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Shavkat \u201cNomad\u201d Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) November 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

And he isn\u2019t wrong. Della Maddalena has faced serious injury struggles of his own. After breaking his arm in the opening round of his March 2024 war with Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, the Australian fought through the pain and scored a dramatic third-round knockout. But the X-rays that followed, showing his arm bent at unnatural angles, were only the beginning of a much bigger ordeal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What should have been a straightforward 6\u201312 week recovery turned into a nightmare. An infection after the first surgery forced doctors to perform four more procedures to remove blood and foul-smelling discharge.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Jack<\/a>UFC 315 MMA Sebastien Botella\/MAXPPP \u2013 MONTREAL 11\/05\/2025 UFC 315 Mixed Martial arts, Centre Bell, Montreal, 10th May 2025, JACK DELLA MADDALENA won against Belal Muhammad MONTREAL QUEBEC PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxBELxSUIxUK Copyright: xMAXPPPxSebastienxBotellax SBO202505118495 SBO202505118495<\/p>\n

At one point, there was even concern that the bone could disintegrate, putting his hand at risk. The complications caused him to miss his planned homecoming at UFC 305 in Perth and kept him sidelined for several more months.<\/p>\n

He finally made his comeback at UFC 315 in Montreal, where he defeated Muhammad to capture the welterweight title. And even that opportunity came his way only because Rakhmonov declined the fight while recovering from his knee injury.<\/p>\n

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