Shocking Prediction: JDM Will Easily Defeat Islam Makhachev

In a bold prediction shaking the MMA world, world-renowned grappling coach Craig Jones has thrown his support behind Jack Della Maddalena (JDM), claiming the Australian striker-grappler will “easily beat” Islam Makhachev in their much-rumored future clash. Jones, who has spent countless hours coaching both Della Maddalena and UFC featherweight great Alexander Volkanovski, believes this matchup could be one of the toughest stylistic nightmares Makhachev will ever face.

Craig Jones Breaks Down the Matchup

During a conversation shared by journalist Ariel Helwani, Craig Jones explained his perspective on the hypothetical showdown:

“I think it’s a super difficult fight for Islam… He’s facing a guy that has some of the best scrambling ability, I think, period, in all of MMA, and some of the most unorthodox grappling.”

Jones emphasized that Della Maddalena’s size advantage and unpredictable grappling game will present challenges that Makhachev has rarely faced. Referring to past fights where Alexander Volkanovski troubled Makhachev on the ground, Jones believes JDM’s larger frame and similarly elite scrambling ability will be a decisive factor.

“The size difference is going to be quite a lot bigger than people think. We’ve seen how Volk did on the ground and how much Islam struggled with him in the grappling exchanges. Having seen Jack and Volk work together, seeing their skill sets, this is a perfect one.”

JDM’s Unorthodox Style: The Wild Card Against Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena, long regarded as one of the welterweight division’s most complete strikers, has quietly developed one of the sharpest grappling arsenals in the sport. Under the tutelage of Craig Jones, he has spent months preparing for potential ground battles, learning how to escape from bottom positions and launch unpredictable scrambles.

Della Maddalena’s grappling is not rooted in traditional wrestling like most of Makhachev’s past opponents. Instead, his game mirrors the fluid, adaptive jiu-jitsu style that Jones has been preaching — one that frustrates positional grapplers like Islam.

Fans may recall how Volkanovski, the much smaller fighter, gave Makhachev fits on the ground during their title fight. Jones hinted that JDM, being naturally bigger and heavier than Volkanovski, could exploit those same weaknesses more effectively.

Makhachev’s Path to Victory Still Exists

Despite the hype surrounding Della Maddalena, writing off Islam Makhachev would be a mistake. The Dagestani champion is widely considered the best lightweight grappler in the world, boasting a suffocating top game and fight-ending submissions.

Makhachev has dispatched elite fighters like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Dan Hooker, often making it look effortless. His ability to close distance, chain takedowns, and maintain control is almost unmatched in MMA today.

The key question in this matchup: Can Makhachev neutralize JDM’s scrambles long enough to impose his suffocating top pressure?

Size Matters: JDM’s Welterweight Frame vs. Makhachev’s Lightweight Dominance

The other critical factor Jones points to is the size difference. Jack Della Maddalena fights at 170 pounds (welterweight), while Islam Makhachev is the reigning 155-pound (lightweight) king. While Islam has expressed interest in moving up for a potential superfight, the size disparity could be significant.

Unlike Volkanovski, who moved up from featherweight to lightweight and was giving up both height and reach, JDM would likely enter the Octagon taller, stronger, and with more natural power.

This means that even if Makhachev secures takedowns, holding down the naturally bigger fighter could drain his cardio, leaving him vulnerable in the later rounds.

What Does the MMA World Think?

Jones’ comments have sent shockwaves through the MMA community, with fans and fighters debating whether Della Maddalena’s skillset truly poses such a danger to Makhachev.

• Supporters believe Craig Jones’ inside knowledge of both fighters gives weight to his claims. JDM’s sharp boxing and newly polished grappling could force Makhachev to fight outside his comfort zone.

• Skeptics, however, argue that JDM has yet to face anyone remotely close to Islam’s level of grappling dominance. Makhachev’s control over elite grapplers like Oliveira and his ability to adjust mid-fight shouldn’t be underestimated.

Makhachev himself has not publicly responded to the comments, but knowing his competitive nature, it’s unlikely he’ll take them lightly.

Would the UFC Book This Fight?

UFC President Dana White has teased cross-division superfights to boost Pay-Per-View numbers, and Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena would certainly fit the bill. If Islam cleans out the lightweight division and JDM keeps winning at welterweight, a catchweight bout or a welterweight title fight could be on the cards.

Both fighters are fan favorites, and both have shown an interest in testing themselves against the best. For Makhachev, it would be a chance to silence critics who claim he hasn’t challenged himself outside of lightweight. For JDM, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime shot to defeat a pound-for-pound great.

Jack Della Maddalena: Is He Ready for the Bright Lights?

While Della Maddalena has dazzled fans with his crisp striking and fight IQ, a fight with Makhachev would be a massive leap in competition. His last few fights have come against solid contenders, but not championship-level grapplers.

If the fight happens, expect Della Maddalena to work closely with Craig Jones and possibly train alongside Volkanovski again to replicate Islam’s style.

One thing is clear: JDM’s confidence, combined with Craig Jones’ backing, means he wouldn’t be stepping into the cage as an underdog mentally — even if the betting odds favor Makhachev.

Craig Jones: Mastermind Behind the Scenes

Jones has quietly become one of MMA’s most influential figures. His impact on Volkanovski’s wrestling defense against Makhachev, as well as his guidance of Della Maddalena, has opened eyes across the sport. Known for his playful demeanor and sharp grappling mind, Jones continues to prove that jiu-jitsu innovators can change MMA’s status quo.

His comments on this fight are not mere hype — they’re the calculated predictions of a coach who has studied both fighters extensively.

What Happens Next?

Islam Makhachev is currently rumored to defend his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan or Justin Gaethje later this year. Jack Della Maddalena is likely to fight another welterweight contender, possibly Shavkat Rakhmonov or Colby Covington, before any cross-division clash.

If both men win their next bouts, a superfight in 2026 could be one of the biggest in UFC history.

Until then, fans will continue to debate: can Della Maddalena’s unorthodox grappling and boxing beat the Dagestani juggernaut? Or will Makhachev once again prove why he’s one of the most dominant fighters in the sport?

Final Thoughts

Craig Jones’ prediction has sparked excitement and controversy, but it also highlights the evolving nature of MMA. No fighter is unbeatable, and no style is invincible. If the UFC books Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena, fans can expect a clash of elite skill, mental fortitude, and strategic brilliance.

This is not just striker vs. grappler — it’s the new wave of unorthodox grappling vs. the old-school Dagestani wrestling machine.

Who are you backing: the clinical chaos of Jack Della Maddalena, or the relentless pressure of Islam Makhachev?