Jack Della Maddalena: ‘Makhachev Is Not a Good Striker’ – New Welterweight Champion Challenges History?

The UFC welterweight division has a bold new face — and he’s not afraid to stir the pot.

Jack Della Maddalena, the newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion, is making waves not just with his performances inside the Octagon, but with his verbal fire outside of it. In a recent interview, the Australian knockout artist made a bold claim about current UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev:

“Makhachev is not a good striker. He’s overrated in that department. If he ever wants to move up and fight me, he’ll be in for a rude awakening.”

With those words, Della Maddalena has sparked intrigue, controversy, and possibly laid the foundation for a superfight that could reshape UFC history.

Jack Della Maddalena: From Perth Prospect to UFC Kingpin

Born in Perth, Australia, Jack Della Maddalena has become a revelation in the UFC’s welterweight division. Known for his surgical striking, seamless head movement, and calm demeanor, the 28-year-old Aussie has carved through a murderers’ row of top contenders on his way to UFC gold.

In June 2025, he defeated Shavkat Rakhmonov in a brutal five-round war to capture the UFC Welterweight Title, shocking many who believed the unbeaten Kazakh would reign supreme.

But for Jack, it wasn’t a shock — it was destiny.

“I knew this moment was coming. I’ve got the sharpest hands in the UFC, and now I’ve got the belt to prove it.”

Now wearing gold, Della Maddalena is turning his eyes toward new challenges — and apparently, Islam Makhachev is in his sights.

Islam Makhachev: Dominant at Lightweight, Flawed in Striking?

There’s no doubt that Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominant fighters of this era. A sambo prodigy, student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and current UFC Lightweight Champion, Makhachev has built his legacy on crushing wrestling, suffocating control, and unmatched discipline.

He has defeated elite competition like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier. But if there’s a chink in the armor, some believe it’s in his striking game.

And Della Maddalena agrees.

“He’s great on the ground — no one’s denying that,” Jack said. “But I’ve watched his fights closely. When it comes to stand-up, he’s robotic. He’s hittable. He’s slow. Against a real striker, he’d be exposed.”

The Superfight Angle: Could Makhachev Move Up to Challenge?

As the UFC continues to pursue blockbuster matchups, a Makhachev vs Della Maddalena super-fight would be massive. The lightweight champ has hinted at eventually moving up to 170 pounds, especially if the right opponent — and payday — is available.

And with Leon Edwards no longer holding the belt and Kamaru Usman out of the title picture, a fight between the new welterweight king and the lightweight legend could headline a pay-per-view blockbuster.

What Would Be at Stake?

• Legacy for Makhachev: Winning a second title would etch his name alongside the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, and Daniel Cormier.

• Validation for Della Maddalena: Defeating Makhachev would prove he’s more than just a technical striker — it would confirm he can handle elite grapplers and big names.

• History for the UFC: The fight could headline a historic event in Australia, Abu Dhabi, or Las Vegas — and shatter PPV records.

Comparing the Two Champions: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev

On paper, Makhachev’s ground control and composure give him an edge against most opponents. But Della Maddalena’s slick boxing, ability to counter, and takedown defense could pose a serious threat.

Makhachev’s Striking Evolution: Good Enough to Survive?

To be fair, Makhachev’s striking has improved significantly since his early UFC days. His head kick knockout of Volkanovski and his poise against Dustin Poirier in striking exchanges show he’s not one-dimensional.

However, he still relies on his grappling to win most fights — and that’s exactly what Della Maddalena believes won’t work against him.

“If he shoots on me, he’s getting kneed. If he stands with me, he’s getting pieced up. Either way, it’s not going five rounds.”

Those are strong words. But that’s Jack’s style — clinical in the cage, blunt outside of it.

The Mental Warfare Begins: A New Rivalry Brewing?

Makhachev is notoriously stoic and respectful, rarely engaging in trash talk. But fighters like Della Maddalena, who are cool-headed but provocative, can get under a champion’s skin in a way that triggers a response.

While Islam has yet to directly respond, his team is reportedly “not impressed” with Jack’s comments.

“Let him focus on defending his belt,” said one of Makhachev’s coaches. “If he really wants Islam, we’re ready.”

This could be the first spark in a new cross-divisional rivalry, the kind the UFC loves to cultivate.

How Would the Fight Go Down? Striker vs Grappler at Its Purest

If this bout were made, the stylistic clash would be one of the most compelling in years.

Della Maddalena’s Path to Victory:

• Keep it standing.

• Use his superior boxing and footwork.

• Time Makhachev’s entries and punish them with uppercuts and body shots.

Makhachev’s Path to Victory:

• Close the distance and wrestle early and often.

• Wear down Jack with clinch work and ground control.

• Avoid prolonged striking exchanges.

It’s grappler vs striker, cool vs composed, tactical vs explosive — a recipe for a legendary UFC battle.

Could This Fight Actually Happen in 2025?

With both champions active and healthy, the timeline works. Makhachev has cleared out most of the lightweight top contenders, and unless Arman Tsarukyan or Oliveira II happens first, the division may not offer new challenges.

For Della Maddalena, a potential bout with Belal Muhammad or Gilbert Burns looms, but the Islam superfight would be far more lucrative and legacy-defining.

“I’ll fight whoever Dana puts in front of me,” Jack said. “But if Islam wants to come up — I’ll welcome him violently.”

UFC’s Global Push: Could This Happen in Australia or Abu Dhabi?

With Della Maddalena being from Australia and Makhachev being a massive star in the UAE, the UFC could easily book this fight in:

• Perth or Sydney, where Jack would have home-court advantage.

• Abu Dhabi, the spiritual home of Makhachev and Team Khabib.

• Or Las Vegas, if the UFC wants this as a tentpole summer PPV.

A Defining Fight for the Modern UFC Era

In the age of multi-divisional champions and crossover legends, the clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev has all the elements of a defining UFC moment.

• Two humble but deadly champions.

• A classic striker vs grappler setup.

• A brewing verbal rivalry that feels personal.

• Global appeal and massive PPV potential.

And perhaps most importantly — a legacy-defining challenge for both men.

Final Thoughts: Is Islam Makhachev Ready for Della Maddalena’s Hands?

Time will tell if this fight materializes. But Jack Della Maddalena’s bold statement — “Makhachev is not a good striker” — may be the first domino in a build-up that ends with two champions clashing.

The UFC loves big moments. This might be the biggest one on the horizon.

One thing is certain: If Makhachev ever steps up to welterweight, he’ll have to deal with a calculated killer in Jack Della Maddalena — and the Aussie is not one to miss when he’s aiming for greatness.en into smaller sections, or formatted for