Jack Della Maddalena is preparing for a different kind of battle as he gears up for his first welterweight title defense. The Australian champion believes Islam Makhachev will bring a wrestling-heavy approach right from the opening bell, unlike what he saw in his fight against Belal Muhammad.
Della Maddalena (18–2 MMA, 8–0 UFC) is scheduled to face Makhachev (27–1 MMA, 16–1 UFC) in the main event of UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden, New York. The matchup pits one of the most dangerous strikers in the division against the pound-for-pound No. 1 grappler in the sport.
Della Maddalena Anticipates a Different Game Plan
When Della Maddalena captured the title at UFC 315, he outstruck Belal Muhammad in a fight where Muhammad only turned to wrestling later in the contest. This time, the champion expects a much faster pace from his opponent.
“They’re different fighters, different challenges,” Della Maddalena said during a media scrum. “Obviously, there’s some similarities within the grappling style, but I definitely look at Islam as a completely different challenge – more of a finishing ability, more powerful on the feet, so different challenge, and I’m excited for it.”
He added that he’s expecting wrestling exchanges to happen early, rather than late:
“It’s going to start on the feet, and we’ll go from there. I think he’s going to try and mix it up. I think he’ll probably try getting on wrestling early, I’d imagine. Looking back at the Belal fight, he probably sees that Belal’s mistake was maybe not getting on the wrestling early. Yeah, expecting the first round to be getting into some grappling exchanges.”
Aiming for a Statement Finish
Della Maddalena has earned a reputation for delivering brutal knockouts, and he plans to make Madison Square Garden erupt when he faces the lightweight king moving up to challenge him.
“I’m going to go for it,” he said. “Obviously, that would be the best-case scenario: Get the finish. I can see it happening. I can see blowing the roof off MSG, taking out the pound-for-pound No. 1 with no doubts. A finish would be the dream.”
The upcoming bout offers a fascinating clash of skills. Makhachev brings world-class wrestling and top control, while Della Maddalena thrives in striking battles and thrives under pressure. Both fighters are riding impressive winning streaks, making this a pivotal moment for the welterweight division.
Della Maddalena’s rise has been fast, and a dominant finish over Makhachev would solidify his place among the UFC elite.
Meanwhile, Makhachev aims to become a two-division champion and extend his pound-for-pound dominance.
The task ahead is tough, yet Della Maddalena has the weapons and composure to pull it off against the former champ.
