Super Classic Match: Jack Della Maddalena Confidently Defeats Islam Makhachev with Striking!

Jack Della Maddalena is flying high after his victory at UFC 315, where he claimed the UFC welterweight title with a dominant decision win over Belal Muhammad. But the Australian striker isn’t resting on his laurels. In fact, he’s already set his sights on Islam Makhachev, who has officially vacated his UFC lightweight title to challenge for two-division glory.

And according to Della Maddalena, the Dagestani star is beatable — especially in the striking department.

“Islam’s Not a Very Good Striker”: Della Maddalena Throws Down the Gauntlet

On a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jack Della Maddalena didn’t mince words about his next opponent.

“I don’t think Islam’s a very good striker,” Della Maddalena stated. “If I get someone in front of me who’s not switching stances all the time like Belal, I think I can land a lot of shots. I think I can take him out.”

That bold prediction comes on the heels of his hard-fought win over Belal Muhammad, a fighter known for his cardio and durability. Interestingly, Muhammad has trained extensively with Makhachev, making the fight a useful blueprint for what JDM expects in his title defense against the pound-for-pound king.

Makhachev’s Move to 170: A Historic Power Play

Islam Makhachev isn’t just walking into a superfight — he’s rewriting the history books.

Following his most recent lightweight title defense, many assumed he’d continue his reign at 155 pounds. But with no clear next challenger and a desire to build on his legacy, Makhachev vacated his title and turned his focus to welterweight gold.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the decision on Tuesday:

“Islam has officially vacated the lightweight title. He’s moving up to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight championship later this year.”

If successful, Makhachev will become only the fifth fighter in UFC history to hold belts in two divisions, joining the elite ranks of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo.

Sean O’Malley’s Nightmare: “Islam Is So F–king Scary”

Interestingly, Jack Della Maddalena isn’t the only fighter thinking about Islam Makhachev these days. Even those in other weight classes seem haunted by the Dagestani’s dominance.

On a recent episode of The Timbo Sugar Show, Sean O’Malley, the former bantamweight champ, revealed he had a nightmare about being forced to fight Makhachev:

“Islam is so f–king scary. I had a nightmare that I had to fight him. I woke up like, ‘Oh God, thank God that wasn’t real.’ That motherf—er is just… no. I actually woke up thinking, ‘Oh f–k, I thought I was about to walk out!’ He’s so well-rounded. Just skilled as fuck. Islam is probably on that next level.”

That chilling admission underscores just how dominant Islam Makhachev has become in the eyes of his peers. Since his UFC debut in 2015, he’s dismantled the division’s best, including Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski — twice.

The Debate Rages On: Is Makhachev the True Pound-for-Pound King?

Despite Jon Jones holding the UFC’s heavyweight belt, there’s an ongoing debate about who deserves the title of pound-for-pound best.

While UFC President Dana White has frequently touted Jones as the top P4P fighter, the official UFC rankings tell a different story — one that places Islam Makhachev firmly at No. 1.

Even Sean O’Malley sided with Makhachev in this heated discussion:

“Islam’s the guy. He’s the most complete fighter in the UFC right now.”

Many fans agree. Jon Jones has only fought once since 2020, a quick submission over Ciryl Gane, while Makhachev has remained active, defending his title and improving with each fight. With his eyes now set on 170 gold, he has a real chance to become the undeniable P4P king.

Training With Volkanovski: JDM’s Secret Weapon

In preparation for the upcoming clash, Jack Della Maddalena plans to enlist the help of a familiar face to Makhachev — former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski.

Volkanovski famously took Makhachev to the brink in their first fight at UFC 284, with many fans and pundits believing he had done enough to win. Their rematch was less competitive, but Volkanovski’s experience remains invaluable.

“I’ll be hitting up Volk,” Della Maddalena said. “He’s been in there twice with Islam. He knows what works, what doesn’t. If anyone can help prepare me for that style, it’s him.”

That alliance between Australia’s finest could be a game-changer. JDM, already on an 18-fight win streak, has the power and precision to hurt anyone on the feet. With strategic input from Volkanovski, his takedown defense and Octagon IQ could reach new heights.

Can JDM Really “Take Him Out”? The Matchup Breakdown

Striking

This is where Jack Della Maddalena has the clear edge. He’s one of the most fluid and technical boxers in the UFC, with sharp counters, head movement, and devastating body work. If he can keep the fight standing, he’s dangerous for five full rounds.

Makhachev’s striking, though improved, remains more of a complementary skillset. He uses it effectively to set up takedowns but rarely dominates exchanges on the feet.

Wrestling and Grappling

This is Islam Makhachev’s wheelhouse. His Dagestani wrestling pedigree, elite positioning, and submission skills are unmatched in the current UFC landscape. He’ll look to pressure JDM, close the distance, and get the fight to the mat.

The question is whether Della Maddalena can stuff those takedowns and get back to his feet when needed. His performance against Belal Muhammad, who attempted multiple takedowns, shows promise — but Makhachev is a different beast entirely.

Cardio and Durability

Both fighters have shown solid cardio, but the longer the fight goes, the more it might favor Makhachev, who thrives in grinding, grappling-heavy matchups. JDM, while dangerous early, must pace himself and avoid fading in the championship rounds.

Legacy on the Line: What’s at Stake at UFC 316

For Islam Makhachev, this fight is about more than just another belt — it’s a chance to surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy, become the face of the UFC, and solidify himself as one of the all-time greats.

For Jack Della Maddalena, it’s the ultimate test: defending his belt against the No. 1 fighter in the world. A win would not only validate his title reign but also catapult him into global superstardom.

And for fans? It’s a dream fight — a clash of styles, continents, and legacies.

Final Thoughts: Striker vs. Grappler Reimagined

In a sport built on stylistic clashes, Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev feels like a modern twist on the classic striker vs. grappler narrative.

But this isn’t just technique vs. technique — it’s a battle of will, evolution, and legacy.

Can the Aussie sharpshooter keep it standing and shock the world? Or will the Dagestani grappler add another name to his list and walk away with a second UFC belt?

UFC 316 may answer those questions, but one thing is clear — both men are walking into the biggest moment of their careers.