Will Makhachev Regret Moving Up? Della Maddalena Promises a Terrifying Knockout!

The UFC is buzzing with anticipation as Islam Makhachev, the dominant lightweight champion, flirts with the idea of moving up to welterweight. While many fans dream of super fights and double-champ glory, one man isn’t buying into the hype. Jack Della Maddalena, the hard-hitting Australian, has made it clear: if Makhachev steps into his division, he’s in for a rude awakening—and possibly a terrifying knockout.

The potential clash between these two stars could redefine the UFC landscape. But the question looms large: is Makhachev making a mistake by chasing welterweight gold?

Islam Makhachev: From Dominance to Ambition

Islam Makhachev (26-1) has carved a path of destruction through the lightweight division. With his powerful grappling, suffocating control, and growing confidence on the feet, Makhachev has established himself as the undisputed king at 155 pounds. His back-to-back victories over Alexander Volkanovski, including a devastating head-kick knockout in their rematch, proved he’s not just a wrestler—he’s a complete mixed martial artist.

However, after cleaning out the division, Makhachev is hungry for more. Like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired without testing the waters in a second weight class, Makhachev wants to add a second belt to his resume.

The welterweight move isn’t official yet, but all signs point to an ambitious jump. Dana White has teased it. Makhachev’s team has hinted at it. The fans are demanding it.

Jack Della Maddalena: The Nightmare Waiting at 170

Enter Jack Della Maddalena (18-2), one of the UFC’s most exciting rising stars. With 14 straight wins and a reputation for violent knockouts, the 27-year-old Australian is widely seen as a future titleholder at welterweight.

Della Maddalena isn’t just winning—he’s finishing. And he’s doing it with style. His crisp boxing, vicious body shots, and relentless forward pressure have overwhelmed veteran opponents like Kevin Holland, Randy Brown, and most recently, Gilbert Burns, whom he dismantled with surgical precision.

Now, with a potential title shot in reach, Della Maddalena has set his sights on a new target: Islam Makhachev.

In a recent interview, the Aussie made his intentions crystal clear:

“If Makhachev moves up, I’ll be waiting. And I promise—he’s getting knocked out. A terrifying knockout.”

Stylistic Breakdown: Can Makhachev Handle 170?

On paper, Makhachev has the tools to succeed at welterweight. His grappling is elite. His fight IQ is off the charts. And his ability to adapt mid-fight has been tested at the highest level. But 170 is a different beast.

Fighters at welterweight are bigger, stronger, and hit harder. Makhachev won’t be able to muscle them around as easily. And that’s where Jack Della Maddalena becomes such a dangerous puzzle.

Unlike most welterweights, Della Maddalena isn’t just strong—he’s precise. His boxing is some of the sharpest in the UFC. He doesn’t just throw—he sets traps, cuts angles, and punishes every mistake. His takedown defense has also quietly improved, making it harder for wrestlers to impose their will.

Makhachev may find himself in deeper waters than expected.

Makhachev’s Path to Victory: Grapple or Bust?

If Makhachev does face Della Maddalena, his clearest path to victory will be to close the distance, avoid prolonged striking exchanges, and force the fight to the mat.

But that’s easier said than done. Della Maddalena is not just a slick striker—he’s also extremely composed. He thrives under pressure, uses footwork to control the pace, and punishes lazy entries.

Makhachev’s entries will need to be flawless. A poorly timed shot could lead to a knee, an uppercut, or worse.

Still, the Dagestani has shown resilience. His cardio is world-class, and he’s proven that he can go five hard rounds. But if he’s unable to dominate positionally, will he have the firepower to survive a firefight?

Della Maddalena’s Confidence Grows: “This Is My Division”

The Australian isn’t just confident—he’s brimming with swagger. In a recent UFC Countdown feature, he didn’t mince words:

“I respect what Islam’s done. But this is 170. This is my division. I live in this weight. I breathe in this weight. He’ll feel the difference the second we lock horns.”

It’s not just trash talk. Della Maddalena’s rise has been methodical and ferocious. Every fight, he adds layers. Every opponent, he looks sharper. He’s not just a knockout artist—he’s a future champion in the making.

And if he gets the chance to welcome Makhachev to welterweight, he intends to make it a violent introduction.

UFC’s Biggest Risk-Taking Move Yet?

From a promotional standpoint, a fight between Makhachev and Della Maddalena would be massive. A clash between two surging fighters from different continents. A style matchup that pits Dagestani grappling against Aussie boxing brutality.

But it’s also risky—particularly for Makhachev.

A loss at welterweight won’t take away his lightweight belt, but it could damage his aura. The mystique of invincibility is hard to regain once shattered. Just ask Israel Adesanya, who tasted defeat when he moved up to light heavyweight and never quite recaptured the same dominance.

Makhachev has to weigh legacy against risk. Is the welterweight dream worth walking into a potential trap?

Fans React: “Don’t Sleep on Jack”

The MMA world has responded strongly to the rumors of Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions. On Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, fans are debating the matchup fiercely.

• “Jack Della Maddalena is being slept on. That man has scary power and elite timing.”

• “Islam better have a perfect game plan because JDM will take his head off if he’s not careful.”

• “This is the most exciting potential fight of the year. Styles make fights, and this is dynamite.”

UFC President Dana White has yet to confirm anything officially, but behind the scenes, this bout could be brewing.

What Happens If Makhachev Loses?

It’s worth asking: what happens if Islam Makhachev loses to Jack Della Maddalena?

• His welterweight dreams could end abruptly.

• His status as pound-for-pound No. 1 would be challenged.

• Critics might say he never should have left lightweight.

However, if Makhachev wins, the rewards are immense. He’d become a two-division champion and join an elite club alongside names like Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, and Conor McGregor.

But to get there, he may have to walk through hell—and that hell might look a lot like Jack Della Maddalena’s left hook.

Final Thoughts: Collision Course or Cautionary Tale?

As the UFC navigates one of its most exciting eras, the possibility of Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena has fans on the edge of their seats. It’s a classic “unstoppable force vs. immovable object” battle. And while Makhachev’s legacy at lightweight is cemented, his future at welterweight is filled with danger.

Jack Della Maddalena isn’t just another opponent. He’s a power-punching technician with bad intentions and zero fear of reputations.

If this fight happens, one thing is certain:

Someone’s getting humbled.