Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena - What Can Fans Expect From This Fight

Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena – What Can Fans Expect From This High Level Matchup?

Get to know how a potential fight between Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev would go at welterweight!

Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena - What Can Fans Expect From This Fight

The UFC’s championship landscape never stays still for long. Remember when Alexander Volkanovski nearly upset Islam Makhachev in their first meeting? These superfights always get fans buzzing. Now, fans might have another blockbuster on their hands. Islam Makhachev has thrown his hat into the welterweight ring. The lightweight king wants to challenge newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.

This potential clash comes hot on the heels of JDM’s impressive victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. The Australian striker dismantled Muhammad with precise striking and stellar takedown defense. Makhachev wasted no time after the fight.

“Time to become a double champion Insha Allah. Let’s go.”

Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah
Let’s go
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025

The allure of becoming a two-division champion seems too tempting for the Dagestani fighter. And frankly, who can blame him? The chance to join the exclusive club of two-division champions doesn’t come around often.

Styles Make Fights: Grappling Wizard vs. Anti-Wrestling Striker

When we break down this potential matchup, we are looking at a classic striker vs. grappler scenario. But with a twist! Makhachev brings perhaps the most dominant grappling pedigree in the UFC today. Trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov, his sambo-based approach has suffocated opponents. His transitions from takedowns to control to submissions flow like water. Even Charles Oliveira, a submission wizard himself, couldn’t handle Makhachev’s pressure.

On the other side, Della Maddalena has built his reputation on two things. First, his crisp boxing combinations that have put away multiple opponents. Second, and perhaps more relevant here, his exceptional takedown defense. Fans just saw him stuff Belal Muhammad repeatedly. Muhammad is no slouch in the wrestling department! But JDM made him look pedestrian at times. This anti-wrestling approach could be the perfect foil to Makhachev’s game plan.

If Makhachev can’t get the fight to the ground, he will need to stand with one of the division’s best strikers. But, he has shown he has the capacity to do it. He stood toe to toe and outstruck arguably the best boxer in the lightweight, Dustin Poirier.

The weight difference also raises questions. Will Makhachev’s strength and control translate to 170 pounds? Or will the extra fifteen pounds make his takedowns less effective against the larger Della Maddalena? These questions remain unanswered!

Championship Implications: Two Divisions In Limbo

Should this fight materialize and Makhachev doesn’t vacate his title, it creates fascinating ripple effects across multiple divisions. At lightweight, contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will be forced to wait. The division essentially freezes until his return.
At welterweight, the situation becomes even more complicated. Shavkat Rakhmonov had been the clear number one contender before his injury. Now, he might have to wait even longer for his title shot. Della Maddalena seems open to the Makhachev challenge. He was quoted saying, “I think Islam deserves a shot if he comes up.” He even added motivation, saying he wants to “get him back for Alexander Volkanovski,” referring to his fellow Australian’s losses to Makhachev.

JDM is asked about fighting Islam Makhachev:

"It's a beautiful challenge… I'm gonna get it back for Volk." 👀🔥 #UFC315 pic.twitter.com/q12I4oqdQz
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 11, 2025

The UFC matchmakers face an interesting dilemma. Do they book the superfight that Makhachev wants? Or do they preserve the integrity of the divisional rankings? Either way, fans win with potentially one of the most technically fascinating championship bouts in recent memory!

(Image Credit: UFC – X)

Belal Muhammad

Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!