Javier Mendez’s comments make it clear: while AKA is confident in their champion’s abilities, they’re not taking Jack Della Maddalena lightly
There’s mutual respect between camps, but both believe they have what it takes to get their hand raised.
This fight wouldn’t just be a battle of skills—it would be a showcase of high-level martial arts, a tribute to strategy, patience, and execution. And for fans, that’s the best kind of fight.
On the flip side, Jack Della Maddalena brings a level of striking nuance that Makhachev hasn’t yet faced at the highest level.
His boxing is crisp, combinations fluid, and counters dangerous. If Makhachev chooses to engage primarily on the feet, he could find himself in unfamiliar territory.
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Table of Contents
Jack Della Maddalena Takes the Throne: The UFC 315 Shakeup
Jack Della Maddalena shocked the MMA world at UFC 315 by dethroning Belal Muhammad and capturing the UFC welterweight title.1
The Australian striker outclassed Muhammad in the stand-up game, using slick combinations and precise timing to gain the upper hand.
But perhaps even more impressive was his takedown defense—a crucial skill when facing grapplers like Muhammad, and potentially Makhachev.
This victory not only earned Della Maddalena championship gold, but also thrust him into conversations about potential superfights, including one with Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion.
Makhachev’s Welterweight Aspirations Spark Speculation
Islam Makhachev, long considered one of the most dominant forces at 155 pounds, had previously shown hesitancy about moving up to welterweight.
The primary reason? His close friendship and training history with Belal Muhammad, who was champion until UFC 315.
But now that Della Maddalena sits atop the division, Makhachev has made his intentions clear—he wants to challenge the new welterweight king.
A victory at 170 pounds would not only solidify Makhachev’s legacy but also place him among the rare few to hold UFC titles in two weight classes.
Whittaker Weighs In: Makhachev Does Everything Better
- Speaking on the MMArcade Podcast, Robert Whittaker shared his analysis of the hypothetical showdown.
- Whittaker, known for his sharp MMA IQ and well-rounded skill set, didn’t mince words when it came to evaluating Makhachev’s game.
- “I’m very curious because I think Islam Makhachev does everything Belal does but better,” Whittaker said.
- “I guess the million-dollar question though, Volk [Alexander Volkanovski] landed shots on Makhachev.
- If Volk can land shots on Makhachev and hurt him, Jack certainly can as well, especially because he likes fighting from a closer range.
- That also leaves him more susceptible to takedowns. Makhachev’s takedown game is much higher than Belal’s.”
- Whittaker’s comparison between Makhachev and Muhammad is crucial. He implies that Della Maddalena’s strategy against Muhammad may not translate effectively against a superior grappler like Makhachev.
The Takedown Threat: Makhachev’s Most Potent Weapon
One of the biggest variables in a potential Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena fight would undoubtedly be the Dagestani’s wrestling.
Makhachev, much like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, uses relentless pressure, chain wrestling, and positional control to overwhelm opponents.
While Della Maddalena displayed excellent takedown defense against Belal Muhammad, facing Makhachev would be an entirely different challenge.
Makhachev’s ability to mix his striking into level changes, and his commitment to securing dominant positions, has made him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC today.
Jack Della Maddalena’s Strengths: Power, Precision, and Timing
Jack Della Maddalena isn’t without his weapons. His striking is crisp, technical, and devastating.2
He has showcased a calculated approach inside the Octagon, with the ability to end fights with both hands and a sharp understanding of range.
Whittaker acknowledged this, saying that if Volkanovski could land on Makhachev, so could Della Maddalena—especially since the Australian welterweight prefers to fight in close quarters.
But therein lies the risk: getting too close may play right into Makhachev’s grappling-heavy game plan.
Styles Make Fights: Clash of Disciplines
This potential matchup is a classic striker vs. grappler affair. On one side, you have Della Maddalena—confident in his boxing, footwork, and defensive awareness.
On the other side, Makhachev brings elite sambo skills, suffocating top control, and world-class fight IQ.
However, both fighters have proven themselves to be more than one-dimensional.
Della Maddalena has showcased improved takedown defense and clinch awareness, while Makhachev has developed a striking game that includes sharp counters, disciplined defense, and the ability to dictate pace.
Jack Della Maddalena’s Confidence: Ready for Any Challenge
Following his title win at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena made it clear that he’s open to fighting anyone—including Makhachev.3
His confidence is rooted in his belief in his striking and his rapid evolution as a fighter. While he’s still relatively young in his UFC tenure, he has already shown the poise of a seasoned veteran.
Facing a dominant champion like Makhachev this early into his title reign would be a huge statement—and one that could elevate his star power globally.
Whittaker’s Own Journey Continues
While offering analysis on this potential superfight, Whittaker is also preparing for his own return.
After a tough submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, ‘The Reaper’ is scheduled to headline UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26 against Reinier de Ridder, a former ONE Championship dual-weight titleholder.
Whittaker’s own experiences against grappling-heavy fighters like Chimaev lend credibility to his insights on Makhachev and Della Maddalena. He understands firsthand how difficult it is to neutralize elite takedown artists in high-stakes environments.
Whittaker’s Verdict: Too Many Variables
For Whittaker, the uncertainty of this matchup is what makes it so intriguing. “With Makhachev doing everything that Belal can do but better, there’s too many variables,” he admitted.
This succinctly encapsulates the challenge in predicting a winner. Will Della Maddalena’s striking be enough to keep Makhachev at bay? Or will Makhachev’s grappling negate any offensive output from the welterweight champ?
One of the biggest unknowns is how Makhachev’s style will translate to a heavier weight class.
While his dominance at lightweight is unquestioned, carrying that same level of control against a naturally larger and potentially more powerful opponent presents new challenges.
The Wild Card: Makhachev’s Transition to 170 Pounds
Moving up in weight is never a simple endeavor in MMA. Fighters who dominate in one division can struggle when facing bigger, stronger opponents.
The question surrounding Makhachev is whether his grappling will be just as effective against the larger welterweights.
While his technique and positioning are elite, the added mass of a 170-pound fighter like Della Maddalena could nullify some of his usual advantages.
That said, Makhachev has a robust frame and has hinted at moving up for a while, so it’s possible his body is ready for the transition.
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Jack Della Maddalena: The Silent Assassin of the Welterweight Division
In contrast to Makhachev’s smothering style, Jack Della Maddalena represents a fluid, dangerous, and highly technical striker.
The Australian fighter has quickly risen through the UFC welterweight rankings thanks to his smooth boxing, excellent fight IQ, and calm demeanor under pressure.
Della Maddalena has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to adapt mid-fight, making him particularly dangerous against predictable or one-dimensional opponents.
With wins over the likes of Randy Brown, Kevin Holland, and Gilbert Burns, he’s proven that he belongs among the elite.
A Style Clash That Has Fans Intrigued
The potential matchup between Makhachev and Della Maddalena isn’t just exciting because of their skill sets—it’s the contrast in styles that captivates the imagination.
Makhachev’s chain wrestling, clinch control, and ability to smother offense present a stark contrast to Jack’s fast hands, slick counters, and precision striking.
Javier Mendez acknowledged the intrigue during his Submission Radio interview, stating, “Islam’s a whole different animal than Jack’s ever been involved with.”
That sentiment underscores the unique threat that Makhachev poses. Still, Mendez remained respectful of Della Maddalena’s capabilities, indicating that this wouldn’t be a walk in the park for either man.
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Mendez’s Tactical Breakdown: Strengths and Caution
Mendez didn’t mince words about Islam’s versatility. “Can he take Jack down? Absolutely.
Can he outstrike Jack? Absolutely,” Mendez said. Yet, he also displayed the strategic caution that great coaches are known for: “But, is it wise to try to outstrike him like I feel we can? I don’t know, it may not be.”
This statement reveals a lot about Mendez’s mindset. While confident in Islam’s striking development, he recognizes the danger of engaging with a specialist in their domain.
It’s this careful game-planning that has made Mendez one of the most successful MMA coaches in the sport’s history.
Wrestling vs. Striking: Who Holds the Edge?
In a pure grappling contest, there’s little doubt that Makhachev would have the upper hand. His sambo background, coupled with years of training in Dagestan and at AKA, makes him a wrestling savant.
Fighters like Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker were unable to stay on their feet for long, succumbing to Islam’s relentless takedowns and positional dominance.
Jack Della Maddalena: Fans Reaction
- The MMA community has responded with enthusiasm to the prospect of Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena.
- Fans on social media are already debating who would win, with many pointing to the stylistic chess match as the most compelling aspect.
- Analysts are excited by the idea of Islam moving up to challenge elite welterweights, and Della Maddalena’s willingness to take on any opponent has earned him widespread respect.
- Should the UFC make this bout official, it could be one of the biggest fights of the year.
- For Islam Makhachev, a win over Jack Della Maddalena would further solidify his legacy and potentially open the door for a permanent move to welterweight.
- Following in Khabib’s footsteps, Makhachev could seek to become a two-division champion, joining an elite club that includes names like Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, and Daniel Cormier.
- For Della Maddalena, defeating a champion like Makhachev would elevate him to superstardom.
- It would validate his rapid rise and show that he belongs in the conversation among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
The Importance of Timing and Health
As with any mega-fight, timing and health will be critical. Both fighters are currently active, but Makhachev has hinted at needing rest following multiple high-profile fights.
Similarly, Jack Della Maddalena has been in frequent action and may require time to prepare for such a significant stylistic challenge.
UFC matchmakers will have to ensure that both men are at their physical and mental peak before stepping into the Octagon together.
If this fight does come to fruition, expect it to be a five-round main event—perhaps even for a title or interim belt.
The stakes are too high, and the talent too immense, to bury this bout anywhere but the top of a major card. UFC pay-per-view buyers would flock to see a clash between an all-time grappler and one of the sport’s most technical strikers.
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