Overview
- Della Maddalena confirmed late Sunday that he would be open to fighting rising contender Mike Malott, saying “I’d be into that” in an interview with Bedtime MMA.
- He told reporters he will not rush back this fall or winter and expects to be ready to compete in April–May 2027 so he can work on skill development after two recent defeats.
- Mike Malott has pushed for the fight after a five-fight win streak that peaked with a highlight knee knockout of Joaquin Buckley, raising his standing in the welterweight division.
- Reporters have identified UFC 336 in Toronto and a February Fight Night in Sydney as possible venues the promotion could consider, but Della said the Sydney date was too soon and prefers fighting outside Australia to reduce local pressure.
- Della remains a top-ranked welterweight despite losses to Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates, so a successful spring return could restore his title path while a Malott matchup would test Malott’s readiness for elite competition and hinge on matchmaker timing.