Australian MMA fighter Jack Della Maddalena has made a strategic decision to bypass a scheduled match against British contender Leon Edwards in favor of a high-stakes UFC welterweight title fight against champion Belal Muhammad. The 28-year-old, who was initially set to headline UFC London on March 22, will now challenge for the title on May 10.

Maddalena expressed his readiness and confidence at a recent press conference, stating, "I was prepared for the big fight against Leon Edwards, but now it’s a different opponent. I’m confident I can secure the win. I’m sharpening my tools to be the best version of myself."

Leon Edwards, a former UFC champion who lost his title to Muhammad last July, will remain on the UFC London card, facing American fighter Sean Brady instead. Edwards is expected to get another shot at the title if he wins his upcoming bouts.

Muhammad, who is on a remarkable 10-fight unbeaten streak, including one no-contest, commented on Maddalena’s leap into the title fight, saying, "He’s stepping out of the kiddie pool into the deep end of the ocean." Maddalena, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 17-fight win streak, with seven of those victories in the UFC.

Muhammad confidently declared, "I am the best striker, grappler, wrestler, and fighter in the welterweight division. I made it look easy against Leon Edwards, and I’ll do the same on May 10. People keep doubting me, and I’ll keep breaking those barriers."

The upcoming fight will mark Maddalena’s first UFC title challenge, making it a pivotal moment in his career. Fans are eager to see if he can rise to the occasion against the dominant Muhammad.