Maddalena faces Islam Makhachev: ‘I can’t imagine him stopping wrestling’

The UFC is preparing to stage one of its most fascinating superfights in recent years as Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king, sets his sights on welterweight gold against Australian powerhouse Jack Della Maddalena. The matchup has already ignited passionate debates in the MMA community about whether Makhachev’s relentless wrestling pedigree can neutralize Maddalena’s crisp striking and knockout power. As anticipation builds for this historic showdown, fighters and analysts alike are weighing in on how the stylistic clash might play out.

Islam Makhachev’s Pursuit of Greatness

Following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev has carved out his own reputation as a dominant force in the lightweight division. Known for his suffocating grappling, chain wrestling, and underrated striking, the Russian champion has looked nearly untouchable at 155 pounds. With impressive victories over the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier, Makhachev has already cemented himself as one of the pound-for-pound elites in MMA.

Now, the Dagestani wrestler is chasing history by moving up to welterweight. If he defeats Jack Della Maddalena, he will become a two-division champion, joining the short but legendary list of UFC double champs that includes names like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. The magnitude of this potential achievement cannot be overstated. It would not only secure his legacy but also place him in direct competition with fighters like Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev in the ongoing debate over the sport’s pound-for-pound number one.

Jack Della Maddalena: The Knockout Machine

Standing across from Makhachev is Jack Della Maddalena, a fighter who has rapidly risen through the UFC ranks with his crisp boxing combinations and devastating knockout ability. The Australian champion captured the welterweight title after an unforgettable performance at UFC 315, where he dethroned Belal Muhammad in Montreal. In that fight, Maddalena showcased not only his sharp striking but also his ability to maintain pressure, break down opponents, and land clean power shots that few can withstand.

With 16 professional victories, most of them by knockout or technical knockout, Maddalena’s reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA is well-earned. His precision punching, smooth head movement, and relentless offensive style make him a nightmare for anyone willing to engage in a striking battle. For Makhachev, who is stepping into unfamiliar territory at 170 pounds, Maddalena represents both the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity of his career.

Andrew Sanchez Weighs In

One of the latest voices to share an opinion on this blockbuster matchup is Andrew Sanchez, a former Ultimate Fighter winner who has trained at some of the world’s best gyms, including American Kickboxing Academy (AKA)—the same camp where Makhachev developed his world-class skills. Speaking on Bowks Talking Bouts ahead of his own fight in the PFL, Sanchez offered his insights on what Maddalena will face when stepping into the cage with the Dagestani champion.

“I trained at AKA. I trained around the Russians,” Sanchez said. “They’re very kind of like their own group, their own clique. I wasn’t really in with them in that way. But I think [Islam Makhachev] is an incredible fighter. Incredible wrestler. I couldn’t imagine [Jack Della] Maddalena stopping his offensive wrestling, to be honest.”

Sanchez’s perspective is valuable, given his firsthand experience with the intense, grind-heavy training environment at AKA. His comments underline a key theme in the fight: can Maddalena’s elite striking hold up against Makhachev’s smothering grappling game?

Kenny Florian Sounds a Note of Caution

While Sanchez backs Makhachev’s grappling dominance, not everyone is as convinced the lightweight champion will enjoy a smooth transition to welterweight. Former UFC title challenger and respected analyst Kenny Florian offered a contrasting view on the Anik & Florian Podcast. According to Florian, the biggest question mark surrounding Makhachev’s move up isn’t whether his skills translate but whether his chin and durability can withstand Maddalena’s devastating power.

“The shots that Belal Muhammad took from Jack Della Maddalena in that Montreal fight gave me chills,” Florian said. “Muhammad has a legendary chin, and even he looked shaken. It’s hard for me to fathom any lightweight fighter being able to take those strikes, let alone a wrestler who has never fought at 170.”

Florian’s comments highlight an often-overlooked aspect of moving up in weight: the physicality and impact of absorbing shots from bigger, stronger fighters. Maddalena has shown time and again that he can end fights in a single exchange, and Makhachev’s ability to withstand that kind of power remains untested.

Striking vs. Wrestling: The Eternal MMA Debate

At its core, this matchup embodies the classic striker versus grappler dynamic that has defined MMA since its inception. On one hand, Makhachev’s wrestling is widely considered among the best in the sport. His ability to chain takedowns, control positions, and suffocate opponents with pressure has broken world champions before. On the other, Maddalena’s striking is clean, precise, and powerful enough to put anyone in the division to sleep.

For Makhachev, the path to victory seems straightforward: close the distance, neutralize Maddalena’s boxing, and take the fight to the ground. For Maddalena, the challenge will be keeping the fight standing long enough to land his combinations and test Makhachev’s chin. Both approaches carry risk, and neither man can afford a single mistake.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Beyond the immediate question of who leaves the Octagon with the welterweight belt, this fight carries enormous implications for the future of the UFC. If Makhachev wins, he becomes a double champion and possibly climbs to number one on the pound-for-pound rankings, surpassing fighters like Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev. Such an accomplishment would further solidify the dominance of Dagestani wrestling in MMA.

For Maddalena, defeating Makhachev would be a career-defining victory. It would not only validate his reign as champion but also catapult him into global superstardom. Beating one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history would erase any doubts about his legitimacy and mark him as one of the faces of the sport for years to come.

Conclusion: A Collision of Worlds

As the countdown to this monumental fight continues, the MMA world remains divided. Andrew Sanchez believes Makhachev’s wrestling will be too much. Kenny Florian warns that Maddalena’s power might be the great equalizer. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, hinging on who can impose their will first. Will it be the grinding wrestling of Islam Makhachev, or the lethal striking of Jack Della Maddalena?

What’s certain is that when these two champions collide, fans are in for one of the most compelling battles of 2025.