Makhachev Dismissing Della Maddalena: Is the Takedown His Only Weapon?

Islam Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC today. His suffocating wrestling, relentless control, and Dagestani-style grappling have made him a nightmare opponent for anyone in the lightweight division. Now, as he prepares to move up to welterweight to face Australian rising star Jack Della Maddalena, fans and analysts are asking a crucial question: is Makhachev relying too heavily on the takedown, and does he risk underestimating a dangerous striker?

Makhachev himself has made no attempt to hide his approach. In fact, he openly stated his intentions ahead of the fight: “It’s no secret. I’m going to take him down, control him, make him tired, and impose my fighting style.” This blunt confidence has defined his career, but it also raises debate — is the takedown his only reliable weapon, or is there more to his game than meets the eye?

The Reputation of a Grappling Machine

Since debuting in the UFC, Makhachev has built his reputation around one thing: elite grappling. Much like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has mastered the art of chaining takedowns, applying top pressure, and suffocating opponents until they break. His victories over Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier all showcased this dominance, where opponents entered the fight knowing what was coming but were unable to stop it.

This predictability is part of Makhachev’s mystique. Unlike other fighters who rely on surprise or misdirection, he tells his rivals exactly what he intends to do — and still wins convincingly. But against a fresh and dangerous striker like Della Maddalena, who thrives on timing and precision, the question is whether that formula will hold up at a heavier weight class.

Why Critics Say He’s Too One-Dimensional

Some critics argue that Makhachev’s reliance on takedowns could be his undoing in this fight. Jack Della Maddalena is not just another striker; he’s one of the cleanest boxers in the UFC, known for devastating body shots, sharp counters, and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. If Makhachev’s first few takedown attempts fail, the fight could quickly swing in the Australian’s favor.

The criticism stems from the idea that while Makhachev’s wrestling is elite, his striking — though improved — is still a secondary weapon. Against Volkanovski, he displayed good stand-up, but that was against a smaller fighter moving up from featherweight. Against a full-sized welterweight with knockout power, trading punches could be far riskier.

This leads to the central question: does Makhachev have enough variety in his arsenal to adapt if Della Maddalena manages to stuff the takedowns?

Makhachev’s Striking: Underrated or Overlooked?

While detractors point to his grappling as his only true weapon, Makhachev’s striking has quietly evolved. Training at AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) alongside Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez, he has added a patient, calculated striking style to complement his wrestling.

He dropped Charles Oliveira with a right hand in their title fight, showing his power is real. His head kicks and straight punches have also improved noticeably, especially when used to set up his grappling entries. These incremental upgrades suggest that while grappling is his foundation, his striking is no longer a glaring weakness.

In truth, the question may not be whether Makhachev can strike, but whether he trusts his striking enough to stand with someone as dangerous as Della Maddalena.

The Della Maddalena Factor

Jack Della Maddalena brings a very different challenge compared to Makhachev’s previous opponents. A master of boxing inside the cage, his timing and ability to target the body are rare qualities in MMA. Many of his victories have come from systematically breaking opponents down with combinations, forcing them to wilt under sustained pressure.

For Della Maddalena, the fight plan is obvious: keep the fight standing, sprawl hard to avoid takedowns, and punish Makhachev every time he shoots. If he can stay disciplined and avoid being dragged into grappling exchanges, his chances of landing a fight-ending shot increase dramatically.

The question then becomes: can Makhachev’s takedowns hold up against a bigger, stronger opponent who knows they’re coming?

The Weight Class Jump

Another factor that adds intrigue to this fight is Makhachev moving up to welterweight. At lightweight, he was known for being physically dominant — often the stronger, more controlling fighter on the mat. At 170 pounds, however, he will face naturally larger opponents who are accustomed to fighting at that weight.

This changes the dynamic. While his technique remains world-class, strength and size matter when executing takedowns and controlling opponents. If Della Maddalena can use his frame to resist early attempts, Makhachev may have to rely more on striking exchanges than he would prefer.

Is the Takedown Enough?

For most of his career, the takedown has been not just enough — it has been overwhelming. But against Della Maddalena, it may not be that simple. If he executes his game plan flawlessly, the fight could follow the same pattern as his past wins: relentless pressure, positional control, and eventual submission or ground-and-pound victory.

However, if the takedown is neutralized, Makhachev will need to show he is more than just a grappler. His striking will have to stand up against one of the most polished boxers in the UFC, and his ability to adapt on the fly will be tested like never before.

The Mental Edge

One of Makhachev’s greatest strengths is psychological. By telling opponents his plan, he forces them to obsess over stopping the inevitable. The pressure of knowing a takedown is coming often makes fighters hesitant, leaving them vulnerable to his striking setups. Against Della Maddalena, this psychological warfare could be crucial. If the Australian becomes too focused on defending takedowns, he may open himself up to counters and overcommit on strikes.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Takedown?

As Islam Makhachev prepares for his showdown with Jack Della Maddalena, the debate rages on: is the takedown his only true weapon? On paper, his grappling dominance remains his biggest advantage. Yet, dismissing his striking evolution would be a mistake. He has steadily added tools to his game, and while wrestling will always be his foundation, his growing confidence in stand-up exchanges could play a role.

For Della Maddalena, the fight is about proving that elite striking can break the cycle of Dagestani dominance. For Makhachev, it is about proving that he is not just a one-dimensional grappler but a complete mixed martial artist capable of winning in multiple ways — even against a bigger, more dangerous opponent.

One thing is certain: the outcome will either validate Makhachev’s faith in the takedown or expose the limits of relying on it as his primary weapon.