Jack Della Destroyer’s Dagestan Tactics – Makhachev Has No Chance!

In what many are calling the most explosive rise in UFC welterweight history, Jack Della Maddalena has set his sights on the king of Dagestan himself—Islam Makhachev. Once seen as just another slick striker from Perth, Australia, Della Maddalena has stunned the MMA world with his elite grappling evolution, aggressive cage control, and fight IQ that now mirrors the dominance once exclusive to Dagestani fighters.

But what’s more shocking? Many experts believe Jack Della Maddalena might actually be the man to expose Islam Makhachev.

Aussie Precision Meets Dagestani Pressure

For years, Dagestani tactics—wrestling dominance, top control, and suffocating pace—have ruled the octagon. From Khabib Nurmagomedov to Islam Makhachev, this relentless style has made elite strikers look like amateurs.

But Jack Della Maddalena isn’t just another striker.

In his last three fights, he’s showcased a hybrid style: crisp boxing combinations followed by well-timed underhooks, clinch reversals, and defensive wrestling that completely nullified wrestling-heavy opponents. While he originally made waves for his body shots and highlight-reel knockouts, it’s his ability to break down pressure fighters that now makes him terrifying.

“I Studied Their Blueprint… and Rewrote It” – Jack Della

Speaking to reporters after his recent win, Jack Della revealed:

“I watched hours of Dagestani fights. I studied how they cut the cage, how they time the shots, where they slow down. And then I built my own answer. I didn’t copy it. I dismantled it.”

His coaching team has reportedly built specific training sequences designed to simulate Dagestani-style clinch chains, then flip them—turning takedown attempts into counter shots, and positional grappling into striking traps.

This isn’t just preparation.

This is a direct declaration of war against Dagestan’s finest.

Islam Makhachev: Still Untouchable?

Despite his dominance, Islam Makhachev’s reign is under quiet scrutiny. His last two defenses, while technically sound, lacked the overwhelming dominance that fans associate with the “Khabib Era.” Fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier both showed moments of vulnerability in Islam’s game—particularly in defending creative striking combinations and explosive scrambles.

The blueprint is visible. What’s missing is the fighter bold and skilled enough to run that game plan from start to finish.

Enter Jack Della Maddalena.

Why Jack’s Style Breaks Dagestani Pressure

Let’s break it down technically.

• Body Shots That Stop Movement: One of Makhachev’s strengths is relentless forward pressure. But Della’s vicious liver hooks and ripping combinations to the ribs are designed to punish forward motion. Ask Sean Brady or Kevin Holland—they couldn’t keep walking forward without paying the price.

• Elusive Footwork: Della uses lateral movement and subtle pivots to slide out of the cage trap. That’s the same strategy that Volkanovski used with partial success—but Jack does it with more power behind his counters.

• Anti-Wrestling Elbows: In the clinch, Jack fires elbows at odd angles, preventing opponents from changing levels. Against Dagestani fighters, this is critical. If you can’t shoot without eating a sharp elbow, you hesitate. And when you hesitate, Della strikes.

Former Fighters Are Taking Notice

Even former champions have taken note.

Michael Bisping said on his podcast:

“This Jack Della guy? He’s a sniper with a gorilla’s aggression. And now he’s stopping takedowns? Mate, that’s scary for anyone, even Islam.”

Chael Sonnen also weighed in:

“Della’s not just a knockout artist anymore. He’s a tactician. And what he’s doing to grind-heavy opponents? That’s the exact skillset we’ve all said you need to beat a Makhachev or a Khabib.”

The Australian Power Surge

It’s not just Jack Della Maddalena rising. Australia has become a new combat hotspot. Fighters like Alex Volkanovski, Jimmy Crute, and Robert Whittaker have shown that technical striking and well-rounded MMA is alive and well down under.

Now, Della Maddalena may be the one leading the charge, carrying the Australian flag into a stylistic showdown with Dagestan’s greatest export.

The potential matchup between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev is more than just a fight—it’s a cultural clash. Two worlds of combat. Two styles perfected on opposite ends of the globe.

Can Della Really Beat Islam?

Let’s be honest: Islam Makhachev is still the most complete fighter in the UFC. His wrestling transitions are flawless. His submissions are elite. And his striking, especially that left high kick, has shut down champions.

But Makhachev has yet to fight someone like Jack Della Maddalena.

• A striker with legit one-punch KO power.

• A grappling game built specifically to spoil chain wrestling.

• And the calm confidence of a fighter who’s never panicked.

It won’t be easy. But if anyone has a style custom-made to challenge Dagestani dominance, it’s Della.

UFC Matchmakers Are Already Listening

Rumors have already started circulating that Dana White is considering Jack Della for a #1 contender fight in Abu Dhabi or Australia. With Makhachev likely defending again in late 2025, this timeline fits perfectly.

Fans are clamoring for something fresh. And while fighters like Tsarukyan and Gamrot have impressive resumes, Della brings marketability, style, and the aura of a wrecking ball.

And let’s not forget—Makhachev wants challenges.

He’s not hiding. He’s not avoiding. But he may be walking straight into the one man built to dismantle him.

What the Fans Are Saying

Across Reddit, Twitter (X), and forums, fans are split.

Some believe Della’s ground game won’t hold up.

Others say he’s got the best chance anyone’s had in five years.

One Reddit user posted:

“Makhachev is the mountain. Jack is the avalanche. Let’s see who buries who.”

The hype is real. The questions are valid. But one thing’s clear—

The UFC has a blockbuster on their hands.

Final Thoughts: Time for Dagestan to Feel the Heat?

Jack Della Maddalena is no longer the “next big thing.” He’s here. And he’s coming with tools sharpened in fire, sweat, and hours of obsessively studying Dagestan’s grip on MMA.

He doesn’t want to copy them.
He doesn’t want to survive them.
He wants to destroy them.

And in this upcoming storm, even the mountain might crumble.