Does Jack Della Maddalena have enough strategy to break Makhachev’s tight grip?

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has built a reputation as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts. With a suffocating grappling style, world-class cardio, and the mental discipline of a seasoned Dagestani warrior, Makhachev has silenced nearly every challenger. But as his next fight approaches, a new question rises: Can Jack Della Maddalena, the Aussie striker with a penchant for chaos and calculated violence, be the one to break Makhachev’s iron grip on the division?

The Dominance of Islam Makhachev

Since taking over the lightweight throne, Islam Makhachev has been an unstoppable force. His wrestling pedigree, honed under the watchful eye of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, has allowed him to dictate the pace of every fight. Makhachev doesn’t just win — he dominates, controls, and neutralizes.

From his grinding control over Charles Oliveira to his striking improvements seen against Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev has grown into a well-rounded monster. He absorbs very little damage, forces his opponents to fight on his terms, and thrives in the deepest waters of championship rounds.

The Rising Threat: Jack Della Maddalena

Jack Della Maddalena may not have the wrestling credentials of a Dagestani grappler, but what he lacks in takedowns, he makes up for in precision, timing, and ruthless finishing ability. With a professional record filled with highlight-reel knockouts and violent striking displays, Jack has climbed the ranks as one of the most dangerous welterweights and has now set his sights on Makhachev.

His boxing-first approach, fluid head movement, and devastating body shots make him a stylistic nightmare for anyone who wants to stand and trade. But it’s not just power that defines Della Maddalena — it’s his fight IQ, his patience, and his ability to adjust mid-fight that separate him from the rest of the pack.

The Style Matchup: Grappler vs. Striker

It’s a classic MMA puzzle: the elite grappler versus the dynamic striker. On paper, Makhachev’s style poses serious problems for someone like Della Maddalena. The Australian will have to defend takedowns, avoid the cage, and fight off his back foot — something no one has done effectively against Islam yet.

However, Della Maddalena’s sharp jab and counterstriking may give Makhachev trouble early. If Jack can keep the fight standing, even for short bursts, he has the power and accuracy to change the momentum with one clean shot.

Can Jack Della Maddalena Defend the Takedown?

The biggest question heading into this bout is whether Della Maddalena can stop the takedowns. Makhachev is relentless in his pressure, chaining together single-legs, trips, and clinch throws that wear opponents down. Few have been able to stay upright, and those who did, like Volkanovski, still couldn’t outwork him.

Della Maddalena has improved his takedown defense and scrambling, but he’s never faced anyone with the pressure and technique of Makhachev. He’ll need to circle constantly, stuff the initial attempts, and make Makhachev work harder than usual.

The Power Factor

If Jack Della Maddalena has one weapon that could equalize the wrestling disadvantage, it’s his knockout power. He doesn’t swing wildly — he picks his shots, sets traps, and uses head movement to land clean punches.

Makhachev has been dropped before, and while his recovery is excellent, a clean shot from someone like Jack could shift the balance. That’s what makes this fight so intriguing — Jack doesn’t need to win every round, he just needs one clean opening.

Mental Fortitude and Game Plan

Fighting Islam Makhachev is as much a mental battle as it is physical. Many fighters wilt under his pressure before a takedown is even completed. Della Maddalena has shown incredible composure under fire, especially in bouts where he had to dig deep.

He’ll need to bring that mindset and more. A perfect game plan, drilled for months, could make the difference. Avoiding the clinch, managing distance, attacking the body early to drain Makhachev’s gas tank — every second matters.

Training Camp and Preparation

There’s been speculation that Della Maddalena has sought out elite wrestlers for his training camp. Rumors suggest that he’s been working with high-level Dagestani wrestlers and jiu-jitsu specialists to mimic Makhachev’s style.

If this is true, it could significantly increase his chances. Familiarity with Islam’s rhythm, takedown entries, and top control is critical. But training room reps can only prepare you so much — the real test will come under the lights.

Islam Makhachev’s Evolving Skillset

While Makhachev is known for wrestling, his striking has come a long way. His left hand has dropped opponents, and his kicks are timed perfectly. Against Della Maddalena, he may surprise people by keeping it standing longer than expected, especially if he wants to prove a point.

However, trading with Jack is risky. Islam will need to mix it up — strike just enough to close the distance and return to his wrestling base. That blend is what has made him nearly untouchable.

Can Jack Shock the World?

Upsets in MMA happen when preparation meets opportunity. And Della Maddalena isn’t just some brawler — he’s one of the most intelligent finishers in the game. If he can survive the first two rounds, land clean shots, and make Islam second-guess himself, a stunning upset isn’t out of the question.

We’ve seen dominant champions fall before: Anderson Silva, Kamaru Usman, Ronda Rousey — all seemed untouchable until the right opponent exploited the right weakness.

What’s at Stake

For Islam Makhachev, this fight is about cementing his legacy. Beating a young, hungry, hard-hitting striker like Della Maddalena shows he can dominate across styles. It could also open the door for a move to welterweight and a potential second belt.

For Jack Della Maddalena, this is the chance of a lifetime. A win would immediately elevate him to global superstardom and shake up the entire lightweight division. It would also mark one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC memory.

Prediction

While logic and history suggest that Islam Makhachev will find a way to grind out another win — most likely through takedowns and top control — it would be foolish to count Della Maddalena out.

If Jack lands early and defends enough takedowns to keep the fight standing, he could shock the world. But the more likely scenario is Islam surviving the storm, slowly wearing Jack down, and controlling the fight from start to finish.

Official Prediction: Islam Makhachev via unanimous decision — but expect fireworks in the first two rounds.

Final Thoughts

This matchup represents everything fans love about MMA: stylistic contrast, high stakes, and two elite fighters at different points in their careers. Makhachev’s dominance may continue, but Jack Della Maddalena brings an X-factor that could make this the most exciting challenge of Islam’s reign.

Only time will tell whether Jack has the strategy, discipline, and timing to pull off the upset — but make no mistake, the world will be watching.