Daniel Cormier, a former UFC champion and respected commentator, shared his analysis of a potential welterweight title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Speaking to Red Corner MMA on May 19, 2025, Cormier highlighted the matchup’s appeal, with Della Maddalena’s versatile skills facing Makhachev’s grappling dominance. Though not yet confirmed, the bout is anticipated for late 2025 after Makhachev vacated his lightweight title.
Cormier praised Della Maddalena’s recent performance.
“I think Islam and Jack Della Maddalena is a great fight. Della Maddalena surprised me in his fight with Belal Muhammad, like, he just showed that he’s much better than people gave him credit for, so well-rounded, so skilled. Makhachev, though, bigger, will have an ability to not be cutting all the weight. He’ll be more full, he’ll be more fresh, I’m interested,” he said.
He identified the fight’s critical factor.
“I think it’ll come down to the wrestling of Islam versus Jack’s takedown defense, and how stingy is he gonna be able to be with Islam. Because when Islam can take guys down early, they really struggle. The only time a fight looks competitive is when they can defend takedowns, and he spends large amounts of time on his feet, which he does really well too,” Cormier explained.
Social media posts reflected excitement for the stylistic clash.
Daniel Cormier @dc_mma gives his breakdown of the Islam @MakhachevMMA vs Jack Della Maddalena fight, as the Russian lightweight king gets ready to step up to welterweight to face the Australian champ. pic.twitter.com/pizRm6xWGr
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 19, 2025
Two Champions, One Defining Clash
Jack Della Maddalena, an Australian with an 18-2 record, captured the welterweight title at UFC 315 by defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision in May 2025. His crisp striking and enhanced takedown defense, showcased against Muhammad, earned him recognition as a complete fighter. Beginning his MMA career in 2016, Della Maddalena joined the UFC in 2022, going 8-0 with knockouts over Gilbert Burns and Pete Rodriguez, marking him as a rising talent.
Islam Makhachev, holding a 27-1 record, ruled the lightweight division, defending the title four times, a UFC record. His most recent defense was a submission victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January 2025. Trained by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team, Makhachev’s grappling and refined striking made him a top pound-for-pound fighter. He vacated the lightweight belt in May 2025, as announced by UFC CEO Dana White, to pursue welterweight glory.
Makhachev’s move to 170 pounds followed his refusal to fight friend Belal Muhammad, the former welterweight champion. Della Maddalena’s win over Muhammad cleared the path for Makhachev’s challenge. Cormier’s analysis aligns with opinions from fighters like Robert Whittaker, who sees Della Maddalena’s size and striking as potential obstacles for Makhachev.
Della Maddalena’s coach, Ben Vickers, predicted a knockout victory, emphasizing his fighter’s power and relentless pace. Conversely, former UFC fighter Josh Thomson suggested Makhachev would rely on grappling, similar to his approach against Charles Oliveira.
