Is Islam Makhachev Playing with Fire? Jack Della Maddalena Promises to ‘End’ His Welterweight Dream!

Islam Makhachev, the UFC’s dominant lightweight king, has his eyes on an even bigger prize: moving up to welterweight and becoming a two-division champion. But not everyone believes the transition will be smooth. In fact, one man is actively warning Makhachev to reconsider—and that man is none other than Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian knockout artist who claims he will “end” Makhachev’s dream of ruling at 170 pounds.

With the lightweight division nearly cleared out and Makhachev hungry for a new challenge, a leap into welterweight seems inevitable. But with sharks like Della Maddalena circling, this might be the most dangerous decision of Makhachev’s career.

Islam Makhachev: Lightweight Mastery Pushing Him Toward Welterweight

For the past two years, Islam Makhachev (26-1) has looked unstoppable at lightweight. His comprehensive wins over top-tier opponents like Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski have positioned him as arguably the pound-for-pound best fighter on the UFC roster.

Makhachev’s fighting style is as calculated as it is suffocating. His Dagestani wrestling pedigree combined with evolving striking makes him a nightmare matchup for nearly everyone at 155 lbs. But after dominating Volkanovski twice—including a devastating head-kick KO in their rematch—there seems to be little left for him at lightweight.

Now, the focus has shifted to welterweight, where Makhachev hopes to make history. But waiting for him is a ferocious striker with a reputation for ruining hype trains: Jack Della Maddalena.

Jack Della Maddalena Sends a Warning: “I’ll End His Dream”

Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) is not impressed by Makhachev’s ambitions. Instead, he’s determined to turn the lightweight king’s welterweight move into a cautionary tale. The Perth native has issued a stern warning:

“If Islam Makhachev thinks he can just waltz into welterweight and dominate, he’s in for the rudest awakening of his life. I’ll end his dream—violently.”

Della Maddalena’s confidence isn’t baseless. He’s currently riding a 14-fight win streak and has become a fan favorite thanks to his crisp boxing, iron chin, and finishing instincts. His recent wins over Kevin Holland, Gilbert Burns, and Sean Brady have cemented his status as a top contender—and potentially the division’s future champion.

If Makhachev wants to make a statement at welterweight, he may have to go through Jack Della Maddalena first. And according to Della, that could be a massive mistake.

The Matchup: Power vs. Pressure

From a stylistic perspective, Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena is one of the most intriguing matchups possible in the UFC today.

Islam Makhachev relies on elite takedowns, positional control, and suffocating ground-and-pound. He doesn’t just beat opponents—he drains them mentally and physically. However, Della Maddalena is unlike anyone Makhachev has faced.

The Australian’s boxing is some of the cleanest in the sport. He attacks the body with relentless precision, cuts angles, and throws combinations that break even the most disciplined defenses. And while he hasn’t faced a wrestler of Makhachev’s caliber, his takedown defense has steadily improved, making it harder to take him down and keep him there.

If Makhachev can’t control the fight on the ground, he may be forced into striking exchanges—exactly where Jack Della Maddalena is at his most dangerous.

Della Maddalena’s Confidence: “He’s Not Bulletproof”

In recent interviews, Della Maddalena has been blunt in his assessment of the reigning lightweight champ:

“Makhachev’s good—no doubt. But he’s not bulletproof. He’s never fought someone who throws combinations like me. If he tries to take me down and fails, it’s going to be a short night for him.”

This kind of talk isn’t just promotion—it’s belief. Della Maddalena has long seen himself as the dark horse of the welterweight division. And now, with the spotlight on him, he’s determined to turn Makhachev’s ambition into a nightmare.

Makhachev’s Potential Pitfall: Size and Power at 170

Moving up in weight is always risky, especially when your game relies on strength and control. While Makhachev is dominant at 155, welterweights hit harder, sprawl better, and are harder to hold down.

Della Maddalena isn’t a bloated lightweight. He’s a natural 170-pounder who has spent years developing power, balance, and rhythm in this weight class. Makhachev may find himself in trouble if he can’t muscle his opponents around like he does at lightweight.

And that’s the gamble.

If Makhachev gets caught with a clean shot from someone like Della Maddalena, his welterweight dreams could go up in smoke—along with his aura of invincibility.

Dana White’s Dilemma: Superfight or Stumble?

UFC President Dana White has hinted at big plans for Makhachev in 2025, including potential superfights and legacy-defining matchups. A move to welterweight opens the door for historic moments—possibly even a double-champ status.

But Dana also understands the risk. If Makhachev falters at 170, the UFC loses a dominant figure at lightweight and possibly derails a multi-division storyline.

For that reason, the UFC may be cautious about matching Makhachev up with someone as dangerous as Jack Della Maddalena right away. But MMA is about risk and reward—and right now, few fights are more exciting than Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena.

What the Fans Are Saying

The MMA community is divided. On one hand, fans respect Makhachev’s desire to test himself. On the other, many believe he’s playing with fire by stepping into Jack’s house.

• “Della Maddalena is a killer. If Islam doesn’t dominate early, he’s in trouble.”

• “Makhachev is the best grappler in the game. But Jack’s boxing is scary. One clean shot could end it.”

• “This is the fight we need. No one else is calling Makhachev out like Jack.”

The buzz around this potential matchup is growing, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a true clash of styles, backgrounds, and momentum.

Legacy on the Line: Who Has More to Lose?

For Islam Makhachev, a loss at welterweight wouldn’t cost him his lightweight title—but it could cost him his reputation. Part of what makes Makhachev so imposing is the perception of invincibility. A devastating KO loss would shatter that.

For Jack Della Maddalena, the upside is massive. Beating Makhachev would skyrocket his stock, possibly earn him a title shot, and solidify his place as the next big thing at 170.

Both fighters are risking a lot—but the rewards are equally monumental.

Final Thoughts: High Risk, High Reward

If Islam Makhachev truly wants to make history, he must be willing to face the most dangerous names in the welterweight division. And Jack Della Maddalena is as dangerous as they come. With knockout power, laser-sharp striking, and unwavering confidence, the Aussie is the kind of opponent who could turn dreams into nightmares.

Whether the UFC books this clash or not, one thing is clear:

Makhachev is playing with fire—and Jack Della Maddalena is bringing the gasoline.