Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is planning a return to the octagon against Carlos Prates following a title loss [1].

This comeback attempt is critical for the Australian fighter as he seeks to recover his standing in the welterweight division and secure a path back to the championship belt.

Della Maddalena lost his title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 by unanimous decision [1]. The defeat marked his first professional MMA loss [1]. All three judges scored the bout 50-45 in favor of Makhachev [1].

Following the loss, Della Maddalena said he is considering a rematch with Makhachev to regain the title [2]. His coach also said there is potential for a second fight, despite the nature of the first encounter [2].

Plans for the return fight against Carlos Prates have emerged with some conflicting details regarding the venue. One report said the bout will headline UFC Perth in Australia [3]. Another report said the fight is slated for UFC 327 [4].

Della Maddalena previously held the status of undisputed welterweight champion before the loss to Makhachev [3]. He now aims to use the fight against Prates to position himself for another title shot [2].

“The defeat marked his first professional MMA loss”

Della Maddalena's transition from an undefeated champion to a contender requires a decisive victory over Carlos Prates to maintain his leverage with the UFC. Because the loss to Makhachev was a wide unanimous decision, a dominant performance in his next outing is necessary to justify a title rematch and prove that the previous result was an outlier in his career trajectory.