May 10, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Jack Della Maddalena (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Belal Muhammad (not pictured) for the Welterweight Title during UFC 315 at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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“Don’t Think Islam Has The Chin” – Jack Della Maddalena’s Coach Explodes On Islam Makhachev’s Durability Ahead Of UFC 322!

The UFC welterweight division just got a lot more interesting, and it’s not just because of the usual trash talk. Fans are looking at a rare situation where a champion from one division is moving up to challenge another champion. Islam Makhachev, who recently gave up his lightweight belt, is heading up to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322 in New York City this November.

What makes this fight even more compelling is the backstory. Della Maddalena didn’t just stumble into the welterweight title. He took it from Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, who happens to be Makhachev’s longtime teammate and training partner. Muhammad was known for his incredible durability and cardio, qualities that made him a nightmare for opponents who couldn’t put him away. But Della Maddalena not only beat him, he out worked him in the later rounds, which is saying something considering Muhammad’s reputation for having some of the best conditioning in the sport.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Coach Believes A KO Is Inevitable

Ben Vickers, who coaches Della Maddalena, recently dropped a bombshell that has fight fans buzzing. He straight up said that Makhachev doesn’t have the same chin that Muhammad possessed. That’s a pretty bold statement when you’re talking about a guy who has only been knocked out once in his entire career. Makhachev’s lone knockout loss happened way back in October 2015, which feels like a lifetime ago in fight years.

“I just don’t think Islam has the chin that Belal has. We know for a fact that if Jack clips someone clean on the chin, they can go over. So it could happen in the first minute, it could happen in the 24th minute, it could happen three rounds in. Jack likes long fights. He likes to be in there, but obviously we’re not getting paid for overtime,” said Vickers via Submission Radio.

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But Vickers isn’t just talking trash for the sake of it. He’s seen his fighter go toe to toe with Muhammad, a guy known for eating punches like they are nothing. According to Vickers, Della Maddalena actually out cardio’d Belal Muhammad in their title fight, which is no small feat.

The size difference could be the x-factor here. Makhachev has spent most of his career at 155 pounds, where he’s been dominant thanks to his wrestling and submission game. Moving up to welterweight means facing naturally bigger, stronger opponents who might not be as easy to take down and control. But Makhachev recently revealed that he weighs 190.5 lbs. This is a good indication that he has gained the muscle to be a welterweight. Regardless, Vickers seems confident that if his fighter lands clean, the fight could end at any moment, regardless of which round they are in.

(Image Credit: Eric Bolte – Imagn Images)

Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena

UFC 322

Zaid Quraishi

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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!