Jack Della Maddalena is a rare defending champion who plays on the B side, but that’s where he will be facing Islam Makhachev in UFC 322’s main event. Makhachev may be the heavy favorite in Saturday’s pay per view main event, but to ignore the welterweight title feels like an error. He has more of a chance than most to defeat Makhachev. Makhachev’s legacy will be the main narrative for UFC New York’s return. City. The record-setting lightweight champ and active pound for pound king will move up in weight as he chases a divisional championship and, along with it, a place in the GOAT conversation. Makhachev is a shadow that clouds judgement about the gold-plated man. “I’ve proved everything.” But I like it that way,” Della Maddalena told MMA Fighting. “It gives more motivation. There’s a lot to do, I want to be the champion.”I am definitely the underdog. I feel a little like I’m being written down. “I think that there will be many different opinions about it on fight night and afterward.”
Why is there such a lack of respect for women? Della Maddalena, for starters is not a proven welterweight. While his victory over Belal Muhammad may have been convincing, some would rather forget Muhammad’s grinding style and divisive personality than acknowledge the talent of this fighter. Makhachev, on the other hand, is revered. He is the lightweight champion who has held his title more times than Khabib Nurmagomedov or B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar & Benson Henderson vacated their positions before moving up.
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Makhachev’s crushing grappling is a nightmare encounter for strikers. Della Maddalena won’t be saved by her size. According to his own admissions, he will not have much of an edge despite Makhachev’s 15-pound leap. It’s not about power but rather control. It’s important to reflect on their previous title defenses. Makhachev finished elite striker Dustin Poirier; Della Maddalena outclassed dogged wrestler Muhammad. Poirier is looking for an opening.Poirier said to MMA Fighting that it would all come down to JDM’s takedown defense. If he could get back to his feet and use the fence or not, then he would be able to give Islam some trouble in the middle of the octagon. He’s an excellent striker. He’s powerful and big.”
The secret weapon of Della Maddalena is right in front of you. Craig Jones, a two-time ADCC Silver medalist, and one of the most innovative minds in modern Jiu Jitsu, actively shapes JDM’s grappling development. Della Maddalena could respond differently to Makhachev’s stress if Craig Jones is involved. Din Thomas, the coach of American Top Team and Sean Brady, a welterweight fighter from the team’s welterweight division, both chose Makhachev to be defeated.Brady and I agree that he’s a breath fresh air. Thomas told MMA Junkie that he was picking Jones to defeat Islam. “I believe that Craig Jones is going to be the answer here… I think that the answer lies in Craig Jones’ blend of jiujitsu styles these guys don’t know. “We’ve seen this when Alexander Volkanovski battled Islam and when Jack fought Belal.”
Della Maddalena was able to take down six out of Muhammad’s ten opponents. But that wasn’t what won the match. Muhammad could not keep him grounded. Thomas believes evolution is Jones’ stamp: Della Maddalena’s comfort with transitional wrestling.
“I think Jack will be difficult to hold down and take down.” Thomas said that he might be taken out, but he would be difficult to keep down. “I believe he’s very precise on the feet. I believe he may lose the first two round, but I also think that he will come back to do damage in the later rounds of the fight.”Della Maddalena bloodied Muhammad at UFC 315, landing 200 strikes in 25 minutes. Ben Vickers wants to use the same brutality on Makhachev. Vickers thinks sustained pressure on Makhachev will expose a vulnerability he has never faced. “I believe Jack will knock him …” Vickers said to Submission Radio. He’s not used taking damage. He’s never been in a fight with someone who is pushing the pace. And he has already been knocked unconscious.
This is a bold statement, but it’s not the first time. Poirier showed Makhachev that he can be tested in the air. Poirier, a striker who is younger and more agile, could have similar success. Makhachev has been listed by oddsmakers as almost a 3-to-1 favorite. In contrast, a hypothetical matchup with the lightweight champion Ilia topuria would be considered a “pick’em”. Makhachev is seen by many fans and bettors as the new king of the second division. Those closest to Makhachev don’t feel the same way. Nurmagomedov, in an interview translated from Russian to English by Adam Zubayraev said: “I believe Maddalena will be the toughest opponent for Islam in his career.” “That is my opinion and not Charles [Oliveira], no one else. None of the other fighters. Even Ilia would not be able to fight if this fight happened.
“Maddalena has twice the size of Ilia” Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. He is equally good at boxing. If you’ve seen him, he does a great job in grappling. If I was preparing Islam either for Ilia or Maddalena I would be more concerned with Maddalena.
Javier Mendez has been Makhachev’s coach for many years. He has prepared in this way. He acknowledged that he has watched more video of Della Maddalena then any previous opponent. It’s a rare confession from a MMA veteran. “Jack is a very tough customer. We haven’t overlooked him. Mendez, a MMA Junkie reporter, said that he has watched Jack’s battle with Belal at least five times. “I’ve actually never done that.” “That’s how much Jack I respect.”
Makhachev respects his team for the challenge that lies ahead. He built his training camp around Della Maddalena’s strengths and split time between Russia and Dubai to find the best sparring partner and body type. Makhachev told MMA Junkie, “It will be a tough fight.” “I watched his fight with Belal. He’s good, man. “He’s good everywhere. “He is good in all areas.” “We will find out who the world’s best fighter is very soon.”
2025-11-12 23:49:33
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