Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev’s Coach Has a Message For Jack Della Maddalena Ahead of UFC 322

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, where welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena will defend his title against former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight belt in May of 2025 after four title defenses. made the bold decision to move up to welterweight for an immediate title shot. His decision was sparked by JDM’s stunning upset over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, removing Makhachev’s close friend and training partner from the welterweight throne.

Previously, Makhachev was reluctant to challenge Muhammad due to their friendship, but now that Muhammad’s out of Islam’s path, he has a clear opportunity to pursue two-division glory against the new champion. JDM’s commanding performance, after displaying his elite striking and the ability to neutralize Muhammad’s wrestling, cleared the path for this high-stakes matchup.

Recently, JDM stirred the pot up by claiming Makhachev’s stand-up game could be easier to handle than Muhammad’s, expressing clear confidence in his ability to dominate any striking exchanges. “I am pretty confident I can get this one done,” he said, citing his belief that he could outperform Alexander Volkanovski’s effort against Makhachev. JDM’s bold statement comes from his trust in his crisp striking and improved takedown defense, as we witnessed at UFC 315. However, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, did not take much time to fire back at the welterweight champ for underestimating Makhachev’s stand up game. Let’s find out more.

😳🥊JDM says Islam Makhachev’s striking is much easier to adapt to than Belal Muhammad’s:

"I think [Islam Makhachev’s] striking is easier than Belal’s. Because he [always] stays in one stance. He has more traditional style. But yeah, he's a tough. He's the pound-for-pound number… pic.twitter.com/TurJm2mYRl
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 2, 2025

Javier Mendez Issues Stern Warning to Jack Della Maddalena Ahead of UFC 322 Clash

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Javier Mendez, coach of former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, delivered a pointed message to welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena ahead of their UFC 322 title fight on November 15, 2025.

“If he’s saying that I hope that he goes in believing that because when he gets in there with Islam, You’re going to find out a whole different story… I’ve been with this kid. Like going on 11 years of watching him just destroy everybody on the stand up.” Javier Mendez stated, issuing a clear warning against Makhachev’s stand up game, ahead of UFC 322.

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While Della Maddalena is a bigger threat when it comes to striking, and Makhachev’s clear strong suit is his submission and grappling, one can never tell what could transpire inside the octagon, as we’ve seen countless other times.

Javier Mendez is Not a Big Fan of the Early Odds Released Ahead of UFC 322

UFC 322 is on its way, and the oddsmaker have already released their early predictions for the showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. However, in a recent interview with Submission Radio, Makhachev’s coach and mentor Javier Mendez stated that he is not a big fan of the odds.

“I don’t believe those odds. I’m sorry. It’s a lot tougher fights than what the odds are saying. I’m not going on that. You get caught up with that stuff, you know, that’s when it could go bad. Just think about the people that were like 15 or 20-1 and all of a sudden they go out there and get their butt kicked, you know, underestimating their opponent.”

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The oddsmaker listed Islam Makhachev as the favorite to win the fight at -265, and Jack Della Maddalena as the underdog at +225. However, this fight could prove to be the toughest fight for Makhachev as he’s moving into a new division, and is taking on a much bigger fighter in terms of sheer size. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that Della Maddalena will be extremely tough to beat!

Khabib calls Jack Della Maddalena the toughest opponent of Islam Makhachev’s career. 😲🔥

"I think Jack is the toughest opponent of Islam's career. If I were preparing Islam for either Ilia or Jack, I’d be more concerned — and I am more concerned — about Jack."

(via… pic.twitter.com/gw707wx9xp
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 22, 2025

Even though we are still two months away from UFC 322, the anticipation for this fight amongst fans is at an all time high. Will Makhachev be crowned as only the 11th fighter in UFC history as a two division champ or will JDM finally put a stop to Makhachev’s win streak? We’ll find out soon enough.

Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena

Javier Mendez

UFC

Eric Divakaran

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nfl

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.