Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Javier Mendez Defends Jack Della Maddalena Amid Backlash After UFC 322 Loss to Islam Makhachev

Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

In a historic clash at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, former lightweight king Islam Makhachev challenged welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena for divisional supremacy. Makhachev, renowned for his suffocating grappling honed under coach Javier Mendez, aimed to etch his name among UFC’s elite by winning another strap in the welterweight class.

From the opening bell, Makhachev’s ground game proved overwhelmingly dominant. He swiftly executed a takedown, pinning Maddalena against the cage and unleashing precise ground control. The Aussie striker, fresh off a grueling title win over Belal Muhammad, struggled to scramble free, as Makhachev transitioned seamlessly into mount and back control. Round after round, Makhachev dictated the pace, neutralizing JDM’s knockout power with elite wrestling and submission threats.

Judges scored it unanimously 50-45, crowning Makhachev the 11th double champ in UFC history- tying Anderson Silva’s 16-win streak. This masterclass exposed welterweight’s vulnerabilities to Dagestani dominance, with Makhachev now ruling the weight class.

ISLAM MAKHACHEV IS NOW THE 11TH TWO-DIVISION CHAMPION IN UFC HISTORY 🏆 🏆

ELITE COMPANY 🔥 #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/o1gne4cTNw
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 16, 2025

Javier Mendez Fires Back at Critics After Jack Della Maddalena’s Loss to Makhachev

Javier Mendez recently fired back at fans who criticized Jack Della Maddalena after his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322.

“You know, lot of people are not giving the credit that man (JDM) deserves.” said Mendez praising Maddalena’s skills. “Wait and see what the next person that fights with him. They think they’re gonna do what Islam did to him? Good luck. That’s all I can say. Because this guy protected himself on every submission attempt. He was well versed in his submission defense and he couldn’t get going in the offense like he wanted to. But that’s because he had a great guy on him, that was mentally ready for him.”

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Della Maddalena suffered a loss, which is obviously a disappointment. However, what fans fail to see is that Islam Makhachev is used to finishing his opponents via submission, and despite what the newly crowned welterweight champ tried, the Aussie defended himself against every submission attempt.

Fans also need to realize that JDM is only facing his first loss in his UFC career. And had not lost a fight in his MMA career since 2016, prior to facing Makhachev. To say that Maddalena cannot make a comeback after his first UFC loss against one of the best ever, is surely an overstatement. Even Makhachev himself gave JDM props after the fight, appreciating his submission defense.

JDM remains one of the best fighters in the welterweight class, and if it was any other opponent, the results could have been very different.

Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena

Javier Mendez

UFC

UFC 322

Eric Divakaran

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