Makhachev Shaken by Della’s Kicks? Experts Analyze the Unusual Silence

The usually composed and confident Islam Makhachev has been uncharacteristically silent following a wave of verbal fire from surging Australian contender Jack Della Maddalena. While trash talk is common in the UFC, what’s raised eyebrows this time is Makhachev’s total lack of response—especially after Della boldly claimed he would knock him out in two rounds.

And now, a growing number of MMA analysts and fans believe there’s more to this silence. Could it be that Makhachev is genuinely cautious, even shaken, by what Della brings to the table—especially those powerful, snapping kicks to the legs and body?

Let’s dive deep into the current situation, analyze why Makhachev hasn’t responded, and examine whether Jack Della Maddalena’s striking style, particularly his kicking game, could be the very thing to unsettle the Dagestani champion.

Jack Della Maddalena – A Rising Force in the Welterweight Division

Jack Della Maddalena is no longer just a promising name. He’s now one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC’s welterweight division. With a record of 17-2, and an incredible finish rate—especially by knockouts to the body and head—Della’s technical prowess is undeniable.

But what’s now drawing attention isn’t just his boxing. It’s his improved and underrated kicking game.

In recent bouts, including those against Randy Brown and Kevin Holland, Della began mixing in heavy leg kicks, calf kicks, and ripping kicks to the liver—setting traps and forcing opponents to open up their guard.

This evolution of his game has caught the attention of analysts and, perhaps, Makhachev’s team.

“Jack is now unpredictable. You can’t just watch out for the jab-cross. His kicks are fast, powerful, and deceptive,” said former UFC fighter and analyst Dan Hardy.

Could Della’s Kick Arsenal Be the Key Against Makhachev?

It’s no secret that Islam Makhachev is one of the best grapplers in UFC history. A product of Dagestani combat sambo, he overwhelms opponents with takedowns, top control, and suffocating pressure. But his striking, while improved, still lags behind elite-level strikers.

And that’s where Della’s precision striking and sharp low kicks could come into play.

“You don’t wrestle well when your legs are dead,” said Michael Bisping, speaking on the Believe You Me podcast. “Della could take away Islam’s base with those kicks, and suddenly the takedown isn’t so easy.”

The fear among Makhachev’s fans is that a few unchecked leg kicks from Della could drastically shift the fight’s trajectory.

Worse for Islam? He’s been targeted by kickers before.

• Alexander Volkanovski found success with inside leg kicks in their first bout.

• Charles Oliveira landed some clean body kicks early before being taken down.

If Jack Della Maddalena can replicate that success—but with far more power and faster combinations, Makhachev might be walking into a trap he hasn’t seen coming.

Experts Weigh In: Why Is Makhachev So Quiet?

Following Della’s public statements, MMA insiders expected a swift rebuttal from Islam Makhachev or his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Instead? Silence.

This has prompted a flurry of speculation.

“Makhachev isn’t scared, but he might be thinking very seriously about the matchup,” said Chael Sonnen. “He knows Della isn’t like the others. If he eats a kick to the liver or a calf shot early, the fight could change instantly.”

Sonnen continued:

“Silence from a fighter like Makhachev might mean he’s calculating. Or it might mean he’s not as eager for that matchup as we thought.”

Even UFC commentator Joe Rogan chimed in during his podcast:

“Della hits like a truck. And now he’s adding kicks? That’s dangerous for anyone. Islam’s silence… that’s not normal. Could mean a lot.”

Kicking the Wrestler: A Historically Proven Weapon

There’s a long history in MMA of elite strikers using leg and body kicks to neutralize wrestlers:

• Jose Aldo vs Urijah Faber – devastating leg kicks.

• Justin Gaethje vs Tony Ferguson – low kicks changed the rhythm.

• Edson Barboza vs Beneil Dariush – body work before the finish.

What Della does differently is blend his kicks with hands in tight boxing sequences, forcing opponents to guess.

“He’ll jab, step out, then calf kick. Then he’ll fake the jab and go body,” said striking coach Trevor Wittman in a recent seminar. “It’s not the power—it’s the pattern-breaking. That’s what kills wrestlers.”

If Islam Makhachev doesn’t find a way to shut down those low kicks early, he could find himself slowed, vulnerable, and unable to execute his game plan.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Defensive Style May Not Help Here

Fans often compare Makhachev’s defense to Khabib’s legendary style, which involved smothering pressure and closing the distance quickly.

But analysts point out that Makhachev’s defensive entries are not always airtight. In fact, Alexander Volkanovski caught him clean multiple times, and Dustin Poirier landed uppercuts and low kicks.

“If Volkanovski could land, what do you think a bigger, more violent striker like Della would do?” asked Dominick Cruz on UFC Fight Night Analysis. “Especially if he uses the legs first to slow Islam down.”

And that, again, brings the spotlight back to the unusual silence from Makhachev.

Is it contemplation? Is it caution? Or is it the first visible crack in the champion’s armor?

Could This Be a Tactical Move?

Not everyone believes Makhachev is rattled. Some see his silence as a chess move.

“Islam plays the long game. He doesn’t bark; he bites,” said Javier Mendez, his coach. “We’re watching. We’re listening. But we speak with our fists when the cage locks.”

Still, the lack of bravado, especially in the face of such bold claims from Della, feels out of character for a fighter who’s never hesitated to mock, challenge, or respond to trash talk before.

And in the modern era of UFC hype, silence often says more than words.

Fans React: Is Della in Makhachev’s Head?

Social media has been flooded with speculation and memes:

• “Della kicked Islam into silence.”

• “Makhachev ghosted Della like he ghosted the lightweight division.”

• “Kicks that loud don’t even need words.”

Some fans believe this could build the fight organically, especially if Della gets one more dominant win at welterweight.

Others are calling for Makhachev to respond, even with a short video or tweet.

“Even Khabib used to clap back. But Islam? He’s vanished since Jack started talking,” one fan posted on Reddit’s r/MMA forum.

Dana White Could See Dollar Signs

UFC President Dana White has remained publicly neutral but did say:

“Jack Della’s exciting. Islam is dominant. When guys start calling each other out across divisions and fans are buzzing, that’s when we start listening.”

Could we see a superfight between welterweight striker and lightweight grappler?

Or will the UFC test Della with another top contender—before granting the Dagestani duel?

Conclusion: A War Brewing in Silence

There’s a storm brewing beneath the surface of Islam Makhachev’s silence. Whether it’s calculated patience or subtle unease, no one can say for sure.

But what’s clear is this:

Jack Della Maddalena is no longer just knocking on the door of greatness—he’s kicking it down.

And if those vicious, fight-ending leg kicks are the key to unlocking Makhachev’s mystery, then maybe the silence from the champion isn’t a refusal to speak.

Maybe, just maybe…

It’s the sound of respect.