Australian Legend 18-2: Jack Della Maddalena Ready to ‘Finish’ Makhachev in Title Defense?

The UFC may be on the cusp of witnessing one of the most electrifying title fights in modern history. Fresh off capturing the UFC welterweight title, Jack Della Maddalena is already preparing for what could be his most high-stakes defense yet—a showdown against the dominant lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

And the Australian powerhouse isn’t backing down from the moment.

“If he moves up, I’ll finish him,” said Jack Della Maddalena. “I’m not here to outpoint anyone. I’m here to end fights.”

At 18-2, with a reputation for brutal precision and calm, cold-blooded violence, Della Maddalena may be Australia’s next all-time great. And now, with Islam Makhachev reportedly considering a move to welterweight, the two champions are on a potential collision course.

Jack Della Maddalena: The 18-2 Phenomenon from Perth

Born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Jack Della Maddalena has turned from a local talent into a global force in MMA. He currently rides a 16-fight winning streak, capturing the UFC welterweight title in a razor-thin decision over Shavkat Rakhmonov earlier this year.

Known for his boxing clinic, surgical counters, and unshakable composure, Jack’s meteoric rise is no fluke.

“It’s always been about precision,” Jack said in an interview with UFC Fight Pass. “I don’t throw punches to score. I throw to end you.”

His record stands at 18 wins, 2 losses, with 13 wins by knockout, and his performances have drawn comparisons to fellow elite strikers like Israel Adesanya and Max Holloway.

But now, it’s not just about striking clinics. It’s about legacy—and Islam Makhachev may be the key to that final puzzle piece.

Islam Makhachev: Lightweight King, Welterweight Threat

With a record of 27-1, Islam Makhachev has ruled the lightweight division with an iron grip. The Dagestani grappler, trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov, has beaten the likes of Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier, showing an evolution from a pure wrestler into a complete mixed martial artist.

Rumors have intensified in recent weeks that Makhachev could move up to welterweight in pursuit of a second UFC belt—a feat that would put him in the company of legends like Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Georges St-Pierre.

But according to Jack Della Maddalena, that’s not happening on his watch.

“I respect him. He’s dominant. But if he comes into my division, I’m finishing him. He won’t last five rounds standing with me.”

A Clash of Styles: Striker vs Grappler, Again

At its core, a potential Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev title bout represents one of MMA’s oldest rivalries: striker vs grappler.

Della Maddalena’s Game Plan: Precision and Punishment

• Keep the fight standing.

• Stuff takedowns with improved wrestling defense.

• Capitalize on Makhachev’s linear striking.

Jack’s fight IQ is often underappreciated, but his ability to pick apart even elite opponents makes him a terrifying matchup for anyone who can’t dominate him on the ground.

Makhachev’s Mission: Takedown and Control

• Get inside early.

• Force the clinch and take Jack down.

• Drain his gas tank and grind him out.

Makhachev’s physicality and pace often break opponents long before he finishes them—but Jack has never been broken inside the Octagon.

“I’m not like the others,” Jack stated. “He’s used to guys backing up. I’m going to be in his face.”

What Makes Jack Della Maddalena Special?

Aside from the brutal knockouts and the slick footwork, Della Maddalena’s aura of calm ruthlessness is perhaps his most defining trait. Whether he’s fighting in Las Vegas or Sydney, against veterans or prospects, Jack carries the energy of a man who’s already visualized the outcome—and it ends with his hand raised.

His win over Shavkat Rakhmonov wasn’t just a victory; it was a shift in the division. Many considered Rakhmonov a future undisputed champion, and Jack outboxed and outsmarted him for five grueling rounds.

“That fight proved I can go five rounds with anyone,” Jack said. “Now it’s time to start finishing guys again.”

And he believes Makhachev will be the next name on that list.

Makhachev Responds: “Be Careful What You Wish For”

While Della Maddalena has been vocal about wanting the superfight, Islam Makhachev has stayed quiet—until now.

In a recent post-fight press conference after defending his lightweight title, Makhachev was asked about Della Maddalena’s challenge. His reply was simple:

“Be careful what you wish for.”

Those five words were all he needed to send a message: he’s paying attention. He knows the belt at 170 is now held by someone with real power and precision. And he’s not afraid.

Sources close to Makhachev’s team have suggested that Islam is open to moving up, provided the fight takes place later in 2025 and that the UFC makes it worth his while.

Where Could This Superfight Take Place?

If this cross-divisional clash becomes a reality, UFC President Dana White will have a logistical gem on his hands. The fight could headline:

• UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi: A spiritual home for Makhachev and Team Khabib.

• A blockbuster stadium show in Australia: Imagine Della Maddalena walking out in front of 60,000 fans in Perth or Sydney.

• Las Vegas for International Fight Week 2025: If the UFC wants the global spotlight, Vegas is always ready.

Wherever it happens, it will be one of the most anticipated title fights of the year.

How Would the Fight Play Out? Analyst Predictions

Let’s break down potential outcomes from analysts and insiders:

If the Fight Stays Standing

Jack Della Maddalena is the clear favorite. His boxing combinations, angles, and deceptive timing would make Makhachev uncomfortable. While Islam has improved on the feet, he’s not known for defensive head movement.

“Jack will walk him down and punish him,” said former UFC fighter Dan Hardy. “It won’t be pretty.”

If the Fight Goes to the Ground

Makhachev holds the advantage. While Jack has decent jiu-jitsu and defensive wrestling, Islam’s top control and positional dominance are nearly unmatched in modern MMA.

“Jack’s tough, but if Islam gets him down, it’ll be a long night,” said Chael Sonnen on his podcast.

A New Australian Icon in the Making?

Australia has produced stars before — Robert Whittaker, Alexander Volkanovski, and Tai Tuivasa — but Jack Della Maddalena may be the most polished finisher among them.

At just 28 years old, he has years ahead to build a resume, and a win over Makhachev would instantly catapult him into pound-for-pound greatness.

He’s already captured the hearts of Aussie fans — now he wants to seize the global spotlight.

Final Thoughts: Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev — Who You Got?

A showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev would be:

• A legacy-defining moment for both champions.

• A stylistic battle for the ages.

• And a chance to finally see whether Jack’s confidence is cocky or clairvoyant.

“I’m not here for easy fights,” Jack says. “I’m here to fight the best — and finish them.”

Makhachev may be the king at lightweight, but if he dares to move up, he’ll be entering Jack’s world — where one mistake means a highlight-reel knockout.

The fans are already salivating. The UFC is likely considering it. And Jack?

He’s already visualizing the finish.