Jack Della Maddalena Challenges Islam Makhachev: “He Will Struggle in the Welterweight Division”

In the ever-intensifying world of mixed martial arts, a new challenge is brewing that has captured the attention of fight fans across the globe. Jack Della Maddalena, one of the UFC’s most electrifying rising stars, has boldly declared that Islam Makhachev, the dominant UFC Lightweight Champion, is “beatable” — and that the welterweight division will expose his weaknesses.

The statement, laced with confidence and subtle provocation, signals that the Australian striker is not just targeting contenders in his own division — he’s eyeing a super fight with one of the pound-for-pound kings of the sport.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Bold Claim

In a recent interview shared by The Grin Reapers, Jack Della Maddalena delivered a calculated message:

“Islam is beatable. He’s gonna get tired at welterweight!”

This isn’t just typical pre-fight trash talk. It’s a message steeped in strategy, conviction, and the type of mental warfare that often precedes blockbuster UFC clashes. Jack, who currently rides a wave of victories and is touted as a future title challenger, believes that Makhachev’s dominance at 155 pounds won’t necessarily translate to the heavier, more punishing welterweight class.

The question now becomes: Is there merit to Jack’s statement, or is this just another fighter hyping a fantasy bout?

A Deep Look at the Match-Up: Maddalena vs. Makhachev

Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani warrior trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov’s watchful eye, has been a near-perfect force in the UFC’s lightweight division. With elite-level wrestling, suffocating top control, and ever-improving striking, he has dismantled opponents like Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski with precision.

But one criticism that lingers — especially from heavier fighters — is that Islam has never truly been tested against the size, strength, and durability of welterweights.

This is where Jack Della Maddalena sees his opportunity.

Maddalena’s Strength: Striking and Durability

The Perth native has rapidly built a reputation as a crisp boxer with devastating accuracy. Jack’s striking is clean, efficient, and relentless — traits that have earned him impressive finishes and a rising spot in the welterweight rankings.

More importantly, Maddalena isn’t just a striker with flash. He’s shown heart, toughness, and composure, particularly in his short-notice win against Bassil Hafez, where he went the distance in a bloody, gritty war.

Fighters like Maddalena believe that Islam’s calculated, grind-heavy game might not hold up against a fighter who won’t wilt under pressure and who can fight off takedown attempts for 15 or 25 minutes.

The Weight Factor: Can Islam Handle Welterweight?

One of Maddalena’s most pointed arguments is that Makhachev will struggle with cardio at 170 pounds. That’s a significant statement, especially considering Islam’s world-class conditioning at 155.

But there’s historical context to consider:

• When Khabib Nurmagomedov was rumored to move up, his team often dismissed the idea, citing size disadvantages.

• Fighters like Gilbert Burns, Colby Covington, and Kamaru Usman have shown that the welterweight division is a different beast, combining power and athleticism in ways that even elite lightweights find hard to match.

Maddalena’s team clearly believes that if Islam tries to wrestle and control the bigger men at 170, his gas tank will deplete — and that’s when strikers like Jack will capitalize.

Islam’s Response? Silence for Now, But Dagestan Watches Closely

As of now, Islam Makhachev hasn’t issued a response to Maddalena’s comments. However, those familiar with the Dagestani champion know that Islam is a cerebral fighter. He speaks through his performances and rarely engages in back-and-forth media wars unless provoked directly.

That said, Dagestan’s camp is undoubtedly watching. And if Makhachev ever decides to pursue “champ-champ” status at welterweight, Jack Della Maddalena may already have his name circled on that hypothetical shortlist.

Could This Fight Actually Happen?

Right now, Makhachev is focused on defending his lightweight crown, potentially against the likes of Arman Tsarukyan or even a returning Charles Oliveira. However, Dana White and the UFC have increasingly embraced super fights, especially when there’s drama and credibility surrounding the matchup.

Jack Della Maddalena, if he continues winning and cracks the top 5 at welterweight, could position himself perfectly as a “welcome to welterweight” opponent for Islam should he move up.

Imagine this scenario:

• Islam Makhachev, Lightweight Champion, steps up for a new challenge at 170.

• Jack Della Maddalena, Australia’s hardest-hitting welterweight, welcomes him with bad intentions.

• A clash of styles, regions, and philosophies: Dagestani grappling vs. Aussie boxing fire.

That’s the kind of fight that headlines a UFC pay-per-view, and the UFC knows it.

Why Maddalena’s Callout Matters Now

In today’s MMA landscape, timing and talk are everything. Fighters like Sean Strickland, Ilia Topuria, and even Paddy Pimblett have proven that making bold claims — and backing them up — fast-tracks careers.

Jack Della Maddalena is doing exactly that.

He’s not just trying to climb the welterweight ladder. He’s aiming to disrupt the pound-for-pound list and force Islam into a fight the fans didn’t know they needed.

More importantly, Maddalena’s callout does something critical: it plants seeds of doubt. If even a sliver of truth exists in Jack’s statement, that Islam would “get tired at welterweight,” it gives opponents and analysts something to focus on. That mental edge — even before the octagon doors close — can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Final Thoughts: A Future Collision Course?

“Islam is beatable” — it’s a phrase not many dare to utter. But Jack Della Maddalena has said it, loud and clear, and now the MMA world is listening.

Whether it’s bravado, strategic marketing, or genuine belief, one thing is clear: Jack Della Maddalena is coming, and he doesn’t fear anyone — not even Islam Makhachev.

If this fight ever gets booked, expect fireworks.