“You are not Volk!” – Makhachev Officially Declares War on Jack Maddalena!

In a stunning twist that has electrified the MMA world, Islam Makhachev has fired a verbal missile at rising Australian star Jack Della Maddalena, declaring, “You are not Volk!” during a heated interview that has since gone viral.

The UFC Lightweight Champion, long known for his calm, calculated demeanor, appeared visibly agitated when asked about the increasing chatter surrounding Della Maddalena, who has surged through the welterweight ranks with a string of vicious knockouts and dominant performances. The quote, short but loaded with meaning, has now ignited what could become the UFC’s next major cross-divisional feud.

Where the Fire Started

The spark for this confrontation was lit weeks ago, when Jack Della Maddalena casually floated the idea of a superfight with Makhachev, calling him out during a post-fight interview after knocking out Gilbert Burns in the first round at UFC 318.

“Islam’s good, but he’s not invincible,” Maddalena said. “I’ve been smashing top contenders, and if the UFC wants fireworks, line me up with the lightweight king.”

Though Makhachev initially brushed off the comments, the situation took a different turn when fans and media began comparing Maddalena’s style and success to that of Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev’s most iconic rival and the former featherweight champion who gave him the toughest fight of his career.

That comparison clearly touched a nerve.

Makhachev’s Mic-Drop Moment

During a recent press conference in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev was asked about Della Maddalena’s rise and the swirling rumors of a potential crossover fight.

Makhachev didn’t hold back.

“People keep saying this guy is like Volk. Let me be clear: He is not Volk. He hasn’t done what Volk did. He hasn’t pushed me to the limit. He hasn’t stepped into my cage and made me respect him. He’s just another striker with a big mouth.”

Then came the declaration that set the MMA world on fire:

“You are not Volk. And if you want a war, I’ll give you one.”

Social media exploded within minutes. Fans, fighters, and analysts alike instantly began debating whether this was a genuine grudge or Islam simply sending a message to the rest of the UFC elite.

Della Maddalena Responds: “Come Up or Shut Up”

Not one to stay silent, Jack Della Maddalena fired back on X (formerly Twitter) just hours later:

“If I’m not Volk, then show me. Come up or shut up. I’ll send you back to Dagestan with a broken jaw.”

The response was savage, direct, and exactly what fans wanted to hear. Within 24 hours, #MakhachevVsMaddalena began trending globally, even though the two fighters are not even in the same weight class.

Can This Superfight Happen?

Despite being in different divisions, the matchup isn’t impossible. Makhachev has already shown a willingness to test himself against champions from other divisions, as seen in his two thrilling bouts with Volkanovski.

Della Maddalena, on the other hand, has made it clear he’s open to fighting anyone, anytime, anywhere.

“I’m not chasing belts. I’m chasing greatness,” Maddalena said recently on The MMA Hour. “And if that means Islam Makhachev, I’ll make the cut. Or he can come up. I’m not picky.”

According to UFC insiders, Dana White has already taken notice, and matchmakers are reportedly discussing the feasibility of making the fight in early 2026 — potentially as a co-main event for UFC 310 or even a headline act in Australia or the UAE.

Volk’s Shadow Still Looms

The most fascinating aspect of this feud is how Alexander Volkanovski’s legacy continues to ripple through the UFC.

It was Volk who nearly dethroned Makhachev in their first fight — a razor-thin decision that many believed could’ve gone either way. Their rematch ended in a head kick KO by Makhachev, but the respect between the two warriors remained strong.

By invoking Volk’s name, Makhachev is not only defending his record — he’s defending his pride.

“I went through hell with Volk,” he said. “If someone wants to be compared to him, they better be ready for hell too.”

The Fans Are All In

MMA fans love bad blood, and this one has all the ingredients:

• An undefeated, dominant champion in Islam Makhachev.

• A knockout artist with swagger in Jack Della Maddalena.

• A cross-divisional clash that breaks the mold.

• And the specter of Volkanovski hanging over it all.

Polls across major MMA sites show over 70% of fans want this fight to happen next year, with many believing it would be a far more explosive clash than the recent top contender bouts at lightweight or welterweight.

Conclusion: War Is Brewing

Whether it’s a legitimate rivalry or a calculated power play by Makhachev, one thing is clear: the UFC has stumbled into a new blockbuster narrative.

With Della Maddalena surging and Makhachev eager to shut him down, we might be seeing the early stages of a superfight that not only unites two fan bases but could define the next chapter in UFC history.

And in the end, the message is loud and clear: Makhachev isn’t just guarding his belt — he’s guarding his legacy.

Now it’s up to the UFC to make it real.