Is Jack Della Maddalena Ready for the Islam Makhachev Storm?

Let’s be honest, stepping into the octagon against Islam Makhachev is probably on the “things to avoid” list for most fighters. The man is a grappling-heavy, pressure-pushing nightmare who seems to methodically dismantle his opponents. Yet, here we have Jack Della Maddalena, the young welterweight champ, squaring up for a title defense at UFC 322 in what feels like a classic “striker vs. grappler” showdown, but with much, much higher stakes.

Walking into the pre-fight presser in New York, Maddalena must have felt like he was in enemy territory. The crowd at Madison Square Garden wasn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat for the Aussie champ. Instead, they were showering praise on Makhachev, the challenger moving up a division. It was a sea of boos for Maddalena and thunderous cheers for Islam. You’d think that would get under a fighter’s skin, right? Especially when you’re the one with the belt.

But Maddalena, in his classic, almost disturbingly calm fashion, just shrugged it off. In an interview with Fox Sports Australia, he basically said, “Yeah, makes sense.” He acknowledged Makhachev’s legendary status, noting the Dagestani’s massive following and the strong Muslim community in New York. “They obviously get behind their people, so I can’t blame them, you know? It’s good for the sport, I like it.” Spoken like a man who’s either incredibly confident or completely unfazed by the psychological warfare of fight week. It’s a level of chill that’s almost suspicious.

Can Maddalena Keep the Fight Standing?

The big question hanging over this fight is whether Maddalena can dictate where it takes place. He’s a surgeon on the feet, a boxer who lives and breathes fundamentals. His game plan is simple but brutally effective: apply constant pressure, keep a tight guard, and wear opponents down with clean, efficient striking. We saw his incredible cardio and focus in that fifth-round comeback against Belal Muhammad. He’s built to go the distance and get stronger as the fight progresses.

But Makhachev is a different beast entirely. He doesn’t just fight; he controls. He slows the pace, suffocates his opponents against the cage, and drags them into his world on the mat. This isn’t a guy you just “out-box.” His composure is legendary, a product of years of dominance and high-stakes wins. The move to welterweight is a new challenge, sure, but a fighter of his caliber adapts. The question isn’t just if he can handle the weight, but if Maddalena can handle his suffocating style.

What’s the Expert Take on Maddalena vs. Makhachev?

If you ask UFC legend and Makhachev’s close friend Daniel Cormier, the path to victory for the Dagestani is clear. Speaking on the UFC 322 Weigh-In Show, ‘DC’ laid out the blueprint. “Islam, you better set the tone of this fight,” Cormier warned. “You cannot sit back and wait for Jack to determine where and how the fight takes place.”

Cormier’s advice was simple: pressure. He urged Makhachev to push Maddalena against the fence, get him on his back foot, and chip away at his confidence. For ‘DC’, forcing Maddalena to fight defensively opens up takedowns and creates striking opportunities for Islam. It’s a strategy designed to neutralize Maddalena’s biggest weapon—his relentless forward momentum. If Makhachev can take away the Aussie’s space and confidence early, it could be a long night for the champ.

This fight is a fascinating clash of styles and temperaments. On one side, you have the young, composed champion, Jack Della Maddalena, a master of pugilism who seems unshakable. On the other, the pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, a grappling phenom looking to become a two-division champion. Can Maddalena’s striking prowess and iron will be enough to fend off the mauler from Dagestan, or will he, like so many before him, find himself trapped in Makhachev’s web? We’ll find out at UFC 322.