Jack Della Maddalena: ‘Makhachev is just a better version of Belal, I Am the Destroyer of Both!’

The newly crowned UFC welterweight champion is preparing for the biggest fight of his career — a title defense against Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion and pound-for-pound No. 1. But rather than shy away from the magnitude of the moment, Della Maddalena is leaning into the fire, drawing comparisons between Makhachev and Belal Muhammad, and boldly claiming dominance over both.

“Makhachev is just a better version of Belal — and I am the destroyer of both,” Jack Della Maddalena declared in a recent interview with The West Sport.

It’s a chilling message aimed directly at his next opponent — and it underscores the intense confidence Australia’s rising star is bringing into this colossal clash.

Aussie Confidence vs Dagestani Discipline

This is no ordinary title defense. Islam Makhachev (25-1), after two title defenses at lightweight and two fights against Alexander Volkanovski, is moving up in weight to challenge for Jack Della Maddalena’s welterweight crown. The move, which requires Makhachev to vacate his lightweight belt, is a legacy play—an attempt to join the elite club of UFC double champions.

But Della Maddalena (18-2) isn’t buying the hype.

“Everyone’s talking about Makhachev like he’s unbeatable,” he said. “But I’ve seen that style before. I just fought Belal. Islam is a better version, sure — but I dominated Belal, and I’ll do the same to him.”

The Aussie isn’t bluffing. In May 2025, he handed Belal Muhammad his first defeat in nearly a decade, outstriking and outclassing him across five rounds to capture the vacant welterweight title. That fight showcased JDM’s surgical boxing, airtight takedown defense, and relentless pressure — tools he plans to sharpen even further against the Dagestani powerhouse.

Dismantling the Myth of Islam Makhachev

Since Khabib Nurmagomedov passed the torch, Islam Makhachev has continued the Dagestani dominance with his own suffocating style — elite grappling, methodical control, and a striking game that has quietly evolved into a lethal complement to his wrestling.

But Jack Della Maddalena believes the mystique is overblown.

“He’s good. Really good,” JDM admitted. “But he’s also predictable. He doesn’t switch stances, he walks you down with the same rhythm, and he’s never fought someone like me at 170. This isn’t lightweight. This is my division.”

There’s merit to the argument. While Makhachev has excelled at lightweight, he’ll now face naturally bigger, stronger, and more powerful opponents. Fighters like Della Maddalena won’t be bullied the same way. And unlike Volkanovski, who took a short-notice fight at 155, JDM will have a full camp tailored to Makhachev’s tendencies.

Training with Volkanovski: The Inside Edge

A key part of Jack’s preparation will involve collaborating with Alexander Volkanovski, the only fighter to have faced Makhachev twice.

“Volk spent 30 minutes with the guy. If anyone knows what to expect, it’s him,” said JDM. “That experience is gold.”

In their first bout, Volkanovski nearly upset Makhachev, losing a controversial decision that many fans and analysts scored in his favor. Their rematch ended in a first-round KO loss for Volk, but it still gave him valuable insights into Islam’s speed, pressure, and setups.

“I’ll be picking Volk’s brain,” Della Maddalena said. “Where he went wrong, where he succeeded, what he felt. That info is the cheat code.”

A Champion Without the Spotlight… Until Now

Despite being the reigning welterweight champion, Della Maddalena has flown under the radar. His soft-spoken demeanor outside the cage contrasts with his brutal efficiency inside it. But now, with the spotlight of a superfight against Islam Makhachev, he’s stepping out of the shadows — and embracing the platform.

“This is what I’ve worked for. To defend my title against the best fighter in the world? I’m ready.”

And while the MMA world debates whether Makhachev’s skills will translate to 170 pounds, JDM is already building the blueprint to dismantle the legend.

“I know how to get back to my feet. I know how to stuff the takedown. And on the feet? He’s not surviving three rounds with me,” he added.

Breaking Down the Styles: Why This Fight Is So Dangerous

Let’s be clear — this is a true striker vs grappler matchup, but with nuance.

• Makhachev uses chain wrestling, body locks, and top control to neutralize opponents. He’s also got a powerful left kick and a sneaky right hook.

• Della Maddalena thrives on pressure boxing, angles, and timing. His body work and precision striking have overwhelmed nearly every opponent he’s faced.

What makes this matchup dangerous for both men is the unknown:

• Can Islam hold down a real welterweight for 25 minutes?

• Can Jack avoid the mat long enough to land the big shots?

Makhachev’s team believes the answer is yes.

“Islam is the most complete fighter in the world. We’ll show that again,” coach Javier Mendez said.

But Team Della Maddalena thinks otherwise.

“We’re building a camp specifically for Islam’s pressure,” JDM’s coach noted. “We’ve brought in guys who mimic his style. Jack is already solving the puzzle.”

What This Fight Means for the UFC

Beyond the stylistic intrigue, this fight represents a massive global moment for the UFC:

• Australia vs Dagestan is becoming a defining rivalry in MMA.

• A win for Della Maddalena cements his legacy as one of Australia’s greatest combat sports athletes — on par with Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker.

• A win for Makhachev elevates him into GOAT discussions, alongside names like GSP, Jon Jones, and Anderson Silva.

It’s legacy vs validation. Technique vs power. And fans are in for a war.

Predictions and Early Odds

Early betting lines have Makhachev as a slight favorite (-140) due to his resume and grappling dominance. But that line is tightening quickly.

Analyst Laura Sanko recently stated on UFC Breakdown:

“Jack might be the worst possible matchup for Islam at 170. He’s hard to take down, impossible to hold down, and he punches with precision.”

Meanwhile, Chael Sonnen sees danger in Makhachev’s ambitions:

“You’re leaving a division you own to chase greatness? You better not miss. If Jack drops him early, Islam might not get back up.”

Final Word: Destroyer vs Dagestani

Jack Della Maddalena isn’t just defending a belt — he’s defending an entire nation’s MMA credibility. Australia has come close before, but Makhachev remains the final boss.

Now, Jack believes he has what it takes to destroy the blueprint — and send a message to the world.

“Belal. Islam. Doesn’t matter. I’m the destroyer of both.”