“If you can’t lock my hands, you’ll be asleep before the second round” – Della Maddalena threatens Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena, one of the most explosive rising stars in the UFC welterweight division, has set the MMA world ablaze with a chilling message aimed squarely at Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion and widely considered one of the most dominant fighters on the planet.

“If you can’t lock my hands, you’ll be asleep before the second round,”
the Australian knockout artist declared in a recent interview, sending a clear signal to Makhachev and the entire UFC hierarchy.

With UFC 319 looming and championship stakes higher than ever, Della Maddalena’s message isn’t just trash talk — it’s a declaration of war.

Why This Feud Matters Now

The MMA landscape is shifting. As fighters like Ilia Topuria and Dricus Du Plessis make noise in their divisions, Jack Della Maddalena is gunning for his own legacy, targeting the most feared grappler in modern MMA, Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev, fresh off his dominant victories over names like Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier, has long reigned supreme with his Dagestani wrestling and suffocating top control. But Della Maddalena believes he’s the stylistic nightmare Makhachev hasn’t faced yet.

And now, the stage is set for a potential cross-divisional super fight.

Della Maddalena’s Rise: The Aussie KO Machine

At just 27, Jack Della Maddalena (17-2) has already carved a violent path through the UFC’s welterweight division. His combination of elite boxing, ruthless body work, and impeccable fight IQ has made him a top contender and fan favorite.

Highlights of his UFC run include:

• Brutal KO win over Randy Brown

• Masterclass decision against Kevin Holland

• Vicious stoppage of Sean Brady

His calm pressure style and surgical striking have earned comparisons to legends like Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz, but with a modern edge. And while most opponents fear Makhachev’s wrestling, Della Maddalena says bring it on.

“He’s used to people panicking when he grabs a leg,”
Della Maddalena said.
“I don’t panic. I dig to the body, I find the chin, and if he doesn’t get a grip — it’s over.”

Can Islam Makhachev Handle Real Power at 170?

There’s no question that Islam Makhachev (25-1) is one of the most complete fighters in the UFC. His wrestling, top pressure, submission game, and increasingly refined striking make him a problem for anyone in two weight classes.

But the question looming over a potential fight with Della Maddalena is this:

Can Makhachev take that power?

Makhachev’s style is built on dictating pace, nullifying offense, and grinding his opponents into exhaustion. But in Della Maddalena, he faces:

• A striker with superior shot placement

• A fighter who won’t fold under grappling pressure

• A man who doesn’t flinch in the pocket

This is not the same stylistic matchup Makhachev dominated at lightweight. The Australian’s power, timing, and body attacks could pose the exact problems that the Dagestani kingpin has never had to answer.

“He hasn’t been hit like I can hit,” Della Maddalena said confidently.
“And if he tries to find out, he’s going to sleep.”

Game Plan Breakdown: Striking vs. Grappling

This potential super fight is the quintessential clash of disciplines.

• Islam Makhachev will aim to shoot, control, and submit. His top game is relentless, and he can wear down opponents both mentally and physically.

• Jack Della Maddalena will look to keep it standing, cut off the cage, and hurt the body early. His boxing is clinical, and his volume doesn’t dip with time.

If Makhachev can get inside and chain takedowns, Della Maddalena may find himself defending more than attacking. But if JDM can stuff the initial entries, land clean in the clinch, and pressure Makhachev backward, the champion could be in uncharted territory.

It becomes a matter of who imposes their game first — and how well the other survives that storm.

Makhachev Responds: Calm, But Not Quiet

When asked about Della Maddalena’s challenge, Islam Makhachev didn’t flinch.

“Everyone talks,” he said.
“But when we are in the cage, they feel the difference.”

Still, sources close to Makhachev’s camp have acknowledged that a move to welterweight is being considered after his next lightweight title defense. And Jack Della Maddalena has already made it clear — he’s waiting.

“I’ll be cage-side,” the Aussie confirmed.
“He’ll know exactly what’s coming next.”

Is This the Fight to Make After UFC 319?

Assuming Makhachev defends or vacates the lightweight title after UFC 319, and Della Maddalena secures another win, this fight could become a main event for a PPV blockbuster later this year or early 2026.

Why this fight is different:

• It’s new blood vs established greatness

• It’s a technical war, not a sloppy brawl

• It could determine the P4P king

And with Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and Colby Covington all either inactive or fading, the welterweight crown is ripe for the taking — especially if Makhachev makes a move.

What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?

For Jack Della Maddalena, this is legacy and legitimacy. Beating Islam Makhachev would put him among the elite names of MMA and make him a potential double champion in the future.

For Islam Makhachev, it’s about solidifying greatness. He’s chasing the GOAT conversation, and moving up a division to defeat an elite welterweight striker would cement that status.

“You want to be great? Beat me,” Della Maddalena said.
“But you’ll have to do it conscious — and that won’t last long.”

Fan Reaction: Hype or Real Danger?

Fans on social media have gone wild with this potential fight. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #MakhachevVsDella and #SleepByRound2 are trending, with many fans debating whether Makhachev’s wrestling can neutralize JDM’s striking — or if the Aussie will finally crack the Dagestani code.

Many are calling it a better matchup than Usman vs Makhachev ever would have been — because Della Maddalena brings unpredictability, power, and confidence.

Final Thoughts: Will Makhachev Accept the Challenge?

This fight isn’t booked yet — but the fuse has been lit.

Jack Della Maddalena is calling his shot. Loud. Confident. Dangerous.

Islam Makhachev, cool and calculated, may soon find himself face-to-face with a striker who won’t be bullied — and who believes with every ounce of his soul that if Makhachev can’t control him, he will knock him out cold.

“If you can’t lock my hands,”
Della Maddalena repeated,
“You’ll be asleep before the second round. Bet on it.”