Why Jack Della Maddalena's Last Fight Was Bigger Than His Next One

Jack Della Maddalena made headlines earlier this year by beating Belal Muhammad to become the UFC welterweight champion. This victory was a surprise because Muhammad was expected to win due to his strong grappling skills. After this loss, Muhammad's training partner, Islam Makhachev, decided to move up in weight to challenge Della Maddalena for the title. The upcoming fight between Della Maddalena and Makhachev is highly anticipated. However, UFC legend Chael Sonnen has a different opinion. He thinks Della Maddalena's previous fight against Muhammad was actually bigger than this one. Sonnen points out that Della Maddalena's last fight was for the title, while this upcoming fight is his first title defense. Sonnen finds it interesting that both Della Maddalena and Makhachev, who are usually respectful, have started talking trash ahead of their fight. He believes this is because winning the title is more significant than defending it. Sonnen's perspective is that the initial fight was more important because it determined who would become the champion. However, Sonnen's view doesn't consider the excitement around the upcoming fight. This matchup is special because it features the pound-for-pound king, Makhachev, going after two-division glory against the current welterweight champion, Della Maddalena. This fight is a legacy-making event that could draw a huge crowd at Madison Square Garden. Belal Muhammad, who has trained with Makhachev and fought Della Maddalena, predicts that the outcome of the fight will depend on what happens on the ground. He believes Makhachev's top game is very strong and that Della Maddalena's mistakes on the ground could cost him. Muhammad ultimately picks Makhachev to win if the fight goes to the ground. Despite Sonnen's thoughts, both Della Maddalena and Makhachev are focused on winning their upcoming fight. The question remains: do you agree with Sonnen's take on which fight is bigger?