Islam Makhachev Dismisses Della Maddalena: “Just Another Name on My Record”

Islam Makhachev is not a man who wastes words, and his latest comments about Jack Della Maddalena leave little room for interpretation. With his next fight now officially confirmed, the reigning UFC lightweight champion has begun his training camp with a clear message to his Australian challenger: you’re just another name on my record. Makhachev’s trademark calm, almost cold confidence was on full display, underscoring why so many fighters fear stepping into the Octagon with him.

The Dagestani powerhouse, riding an impressive winning streak and widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in mixed martial arts today, is preparing for what could be another statement performance. But for all the hype surrounding Della Maddalena’s rise, Makhachev doesn’t seem to see anything that makes the bout unusually dangerous. For him, this is business as usual — another fight, another scalp, another title defense.

A Champion Who Speaks With Actions, Not Words

Makhachev’s approach to fight promotion has always been measured. He doesn’t rely on trash talk to sell fights, but when he does speak, it’s often with razor-sharp intent. In a recent interview, he brushed off the idea that Della Maddalena presents a unique challenge, saying:

“I respect him as a fighter, but when we step in there, he’s just another opponent. I’ve faced the best in the world, and I will do the same thing I always do — take them down, control them, and finish the fight.”

Those words perfectly reflect the Dagestani MMA philosophy — preparation, discipline, and a complete unwillingness to be rattled by outside noise. It’s a mindset instilled in him since childhood, forged through years of wrestling and sambo training in the mountains of Dagestan alongside UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Why Jack Della Maddalena Is a Threat

While Makhachev may downplay it, there’s no denying that Jack Della Maddalena has earned his shot. The Perth native has been on a tear through the welterweight division, racking up highlight-reel knockouts and showcasing elite boxing. His crisp combinations, deadly accuracy, and composure under pressure have made him one of the UFC’s most exciting rising stars.

However, the matchup against Makhachev brings a new set of challenges. The champion’s suffocating grappling, relentless pace, and ability to control every aspect of a fight make him a nightmare for anyone relying on stand-up skills alone. For Della Maddalena, the key will be keeping the fight on the feet — something very few of Makhachev’s opponents have been able to do.

The Weight and Style Question

One interesting wrinkle in this matchup is the weight class. Makhachev reigns at lightweight, while Della Maddalena is making the jump from welterweight. While some believe the size difference could play to the Australian’s advantage, Makhachev’s strength and control have nullified larger opponents before. In fact, many of his training partners have been heavier wrestlers, ensuring that fighting a slightly bigger man won’t be a shock to his system.

In terms of style, Makhachev has faced and beaten fighters with elite striking before, including Alexander Volkanovski, who many considered one of the pound-for-pound best. His ability to close distance without taking significant damage, coupled with chain wrestling and top pressure, makes him the epitome of a style nightmare for a pure striker like Della Maddalena.

The Mental Game

Beyond the physical chess match, there’s a huge mental aspect to this fight. Makhachev’s unshakeable self-belief can be intimidating. He’s never seemed to doubt that he will emerge victorious, no matter the opponent. This isn’t arrogance — it’s confidence built on years of dominance, countless hours on the mats, and the knowledge that his game plan works.

Della Maddalena, meanwhile, thrives on momentum. He’s a fighter who grows more dangerous when he finds his rhythm, but the problem against Makhachev is that fighters rarely get the chance to find that rhythm. The champion’s pressure is constant, and even when an opponent defends the initial takedown, Makhachev has a way of chaining attacks together until the inevitable happens — they end up on their back.

Training Camp Intensity

Reports from Dagestan suggest Makhachev’s current training camp is as grueling as ever. He’s sparring multiple times a week, wrestling daily, and sharpening his striking under longtime coaches. Sparring partners include a mix of world-class wrestlers, jiu-jitsu black belts, and professional boxers to simulate every possible scenario.

Makhachev himself has said the key to his longevity and dominance is his preparation:

“Every fight is the same for me. The training is the same. The discipline is the same. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is — the work doesn’t change.”

This mindset is why so many analysts see him as virtually unbeatable when he’s on his game.

Della Maddalena’s Counterplan

Of course, Jack Della Maddalena isn’t coming into this fight to be a stepping stone. His team knows exactly what they’re up against. Training footage has shown him drilling takedown defense endlessly, working on underhooks, and refining his ability to pivot out of clinch situations. He’s also adding more low kicks to his arsenal to slow Makhachev’s movement.

If he can keep the fight in boxing range and force Makhachev to exchange in the pocket, Della Maddalena has a real shot. His punches come fast and clean, and his body shots, in particular, could be a weapon against the champion’s relentless forward pressure.

What’s at Stake

For Islam Makhachev, this fight is another step toward cementing his legacy as one of the greatest lightweight champions in UFC history. A win over Della Maddalena — a dangerous, highly-touted opponent — would only strengthen his case as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

For Jack Della Maddalena, this is the fight that could make him a global superstar. Beating Makhachev would not only earn him the belt but would also be one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC history.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

While upsets do happen in MMA, the stylistic matchup heavily favors Makhachev. His ability to dictate where the fight takes place, combined with his smothering top control and submission threat, makes him incredibly difficult to beat. That said, Della Maddalena’s power and precision mean he’s always one clean shot away from flipping the script.

Still, the champion’s words ring loud and clear: “Just another name on my record.” Whether that’s confidence or underestimation will only be revealed when the Octagon door closes. For now, one thing is certain — Makhachev’s laser-focused mindset is exactly why he remains one of the most feared fighters in the sport.

If Della Maddalena wants to shock the world, he’ll have to solve a puzzle that no one has figured out in years. And if he can’t, he’ll simply be the next name added to Makhachev’s long list of victims.