Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UFC Commentator Warns- Makhachev to Face Tough Battle Against Jack Della Maddalena Despite Domination Claims

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev finally is got what he asked for, and it is a shot at the welterweight title. While it may not be 100% in his terms, the fight between him and the current welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, has been confirmed. Makhachev was previously the UFC’s lightweight champion, and his aspirations to become a double champion, was something that he has been very vocal about for a long time.

The only reason why he did not move up earlier was because Belal Muhammad, his friend/brother, was holding the title, and the two had made it clear that they had no intentions of going against one another. Now that Makhachev has vacated the lightweight belt and the division, he’s also facing a lot of criticism for the move since the potential mega fight between the Russian and Ilia Topuria will not be happening anytime soon. Many claim that Makhachev is “ducking,” the Georgian and fans and fighters have also questioned his friendship with Belal, as he wasted no time in moving up from his previous division without thinking about the repercussions for his friend.

Also Read: The Curse of the UFC Welterweight Crown- A New Jinx Haunts the Champions

Now that the fight between Maddalena and Makhachev is decided, many already believe that the former lightweight champ is going to get an easy win against JDM. However, UFC commentator, has not jumped on the Makhachev bandwagon just yet, and this is what he believes.

Islam Makhachev has VACATED his lightwelt belt to move up to the welterweight division and face Jack Della Maddalena, says Dana White 😮 pic.twitter.com/24QDp7mcwW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2025

Jon Anik Believes That Makhachev’s Welterweight Fight Against Maddalena Will Not Be Easy

Jon Anik, UFC’s commentator, believes that it will not be an easy fight for Islam Makhachev against the welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, by any means. Lightweight division, which Makhachev previously fought in, has a weight limit of 155 pounds, whereas welterweight division, where Makhachev is heading towards, has a weight limit of 170 pounds. That is 15 more pounds than what he has previously fought in, which is a sizeable difference. Fighters in the welterweight hit harder, are a lot stronger, and Maddalena just happens to arguably be the best boxer in his division.

Anik, looking into all the facts, said, “Notion that Islam Makhachev is just gonna move up a division and somehow dominate someone like Jack Della Maddalena, I just don’t see that at all.” Kenny Florian, a former UFC fighter and commentator added, “Every pound counts in the sport, JDM is just a much bigger guy and those shots that he’s landing against Belal, if he lands those against someone like Islam, who has been knocked out in the past, I don’t see him taking it in the same way that Belal can take it. It’s gonna be interesting. I think with his wrestling, he can get some things done, but again you’re moving around a much larger body than the guys at 155.”

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Many fans are already writing off Jack Della Maddalena to win the fight against Makhachev, however, we need to remember than the Aussie is a champion for a reason, and while Makhachev has the upper hand in wrestling, JDM has great takedown defense and has much greater power in his hands. If Makhachev is not careful, JDM can knock the lightweight champion out.

Also Read: Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones “Living Good” As He Addresses Ducking Allegations

Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena

Jon Anik

Kenny Florian

UFC

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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.