Makhachev is Too Small Compared to Me? Jack Della Maddalena Declares He Will Be the One to End Islam’s Era!

In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, confidence is often the fuel that powers champions and contenders alike. Jack Della Maddalena, one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC’s welterweight division, has ignited headlines with a bold proclamation. The Australian striker believes that the current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, would be no match for his size, skill set, and striking acumen.

“We saw what Volk did to him. I’m gonna get him. He’s too little,” Maddalena confidently stated in a recent interview.

Such a claim does more than stir the pot; it invites questions about weight classes, stylistic matchups, and the nature of greatness in the UFC.

Jack Della Maddalena: Welterweight’s Sharpest Blade

Hailing from Perth, Australia, Jack Della Maddalena has carved his way through the UFC welterweight division with clinical precision. Known for his slick boxing, devastating body shots, and ice-cold composure, Maddalena has strung together an impressive win streak since entering the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series.

His most recent victories have showcased a fighter who not only finishes opponents but does so with technical brilliance. Fans and analysts alike have started whispering his name in title contention conversations, and it’s clear that Maddalena is hunting for greatness. His next logical step is a shot at the welterweight title, but the Aussie appears to have his sights set on a superfight instead.

Islam Makhachev: Dagestan’s Lightweight King

On the other side of this conversation stands Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion. A protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev embodies the suffocating grappling style that has become synonymous with fighters from Dagestan. Since claiming the lightweight belt, Makhachev has successfully defended it against elite challengers, showcasing both his grappling prowess and evolving striking game.

Makhachev’s narrow win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, however, sparked debates. Volkanovski, a featherweight moving up, pushed Makhachev to his limits, raising questions about the champion’s ability to handle pressure from aggressive strikers. For Jack Della Maddalena, that fight was proof enough that he could do more than just survive against Makhachev—he could win.

Volk Set the Blueprint?

Maddalena’s comments reference Volkanovski’s effort against Makhachev. Despite being the smaller man, Volkanovski stuffed takedowns, landed clean strikes, and forced Makhachev into deep waters over five grueling rounds. Although Makhachev earned the decision victory, many spectators saw the featherweight champ expose holes in the Dagestani’s armor.

“Volk’s not even my size, and he gave Islam hell. I’m bigger, stronger, and sharper on the feet. Imagine what I’ll do,” Maddalena explained.

This belief reflects a growing confidence among non-lightweight fighters that Makhachev, while dominant at 155 pounds, may struggle against larger, elite strikers who can keep the fight standing.

Size vs Skill: A Timeless Debate in MMA

The hypothetical showdown between Maddalena and Makhachev rekindles one of MMA’s oldest debates: does size matter more than skill? Maddalena would have a clear size and reach advantage, competing naturally at 170 pounds. His striking, footwork, and boxing combinations would likely give Makhachev a different challenge than the usual lightweight contenders.

But Islam Makhachev is no stranger to adversity. His mastery of grappling, positional control, and cage awareness allows him to neutralize opponents’ strengths. The lightweight champion has faced powerful strikers before and emerged victorious, adapting his approach each time.

Fan Reactions: Split Opinions

The MMA world has reacted to Maddalena’s comments with a mix of intrigue and skepticism.

Some fans admire Maddalena’s ambition, seeing it as a refreshing change from fighters who cautiously climb the ranks. Others believe Maddalena is underestimating Makhachev’s championship-level skill set.

Social media was ablaze:

🔍 “Jack’s boxing is world-class, but Islam’s wrestling is another level. This fight goes to the ground fast,” one fan commented.

🔍 “Finally someone not afraid to call out the Dagestani crew. Respect to Jack for wanting greatness,” another posted.

Would the UFC Make This Fight?

From a promotional standpoint, a clash between Maddalena and Makhachev could be marketed as a cross-divisional spectacle—the hungry striker vs. the dominant grappler, Australia vs. Dagestan, welterweight vs. lightweight.

However, the fight’s viability faces practical hurdles:

• Makhachev remains committed to defending his lightweight title, with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje waiting in line.

• Maddalena is still chasing his first title shot in a welterweight division ruled by Leon Edwards and populated with top contenders like Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

For now, the fight remains more fantasy than reality. But in today’s UFC, where superfights and money bouts reign supreme, nothing can be ruled out.

Analyzing the Matchup: Who Has the Edge?

On the feet: Maddalena’s sharp boxing, head movement, and ability to maintain range give him a significant advantage. If he can keep the fight standing, Makhachev may struggle to find his rhythm.

On the ground: Makhachev’s grappling is his world. Should he close the distance and secure a takedown, Maddalena would face suffocating top pressure and relentless positional control.

Cardio: Both fighters possess proven gas tanks, but Maddalena’s pace in striking-heavy fights and Makhachev’s ability to grind opponents for five rounds make stamina a non-issue for either man.

What Would Be at Stake?

If this fight were to materialize, it would represent more than just a clash of styles. It would be a battle of legacies:

• For Makhachev, defeating a top welterweight would solidify his claim as the pound-for-pound king.

• For Maddalena, toppling a reigning champion from another division would catapult him into superstardom, possibly making him one of the sport’s most marketable names.

Maddalena’s Future: Stay in His Lane or Chase Glory?

While Maddalena’s bold talk has grabbed headlines, his immediate focus should arguably remain on the welterweight division. With Leon Edwards still holding the title and contenders stacking up, Maddalena’s quickest path to gold runs through his own weight class.

But his hunger for greatness—and a possible superfight payday—suggests that Maddalena is willing to step outside the traditional path to chase legacy-defining moments.

Makhachev’s Path: Lightweight Legacy First

For Makhachev, clearing out the lightweight division remains priority number one. Fights against Tsarukyan, Oliveira, and potentially Poirier or Gaethje will help solidify his legacy as one of the best 155-pounders in UFC history.

Only after that gauntlet might a move to welterweight—or a superfight against a top welterweight like Maddalena—make sense.

The UFC’s Take: Money Talks

UFC President Dana White has never shied away from making unconventional fights if they capture public imagination and drive pay-per-view buys. If Maddalena continues to win impressively and Makhachev seeks new challenges, the UFC could easily book this fight as a main event for an international fight week or a massive Australian card.

Final Thoughts: Talk Now, Fight Later?

Maddalena’s callout of Makhachev may be premature, but it speaks to a fighter’s mindset. He is not content with just being a contender; he wants to be remembered as one of the greats.

Whether or not this fight happens soon, or at all, remains uncertain. But what is clear is that Maddalena is making noise—and in the UFC, noise often turns into opportunity.

For now, fans can only speculate. But as the careers of Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev continue to rise, the possibility of their paths crossing could evolve from bold talk to an octagon reality.

Too little? Or too much for Maddalena to handle?