Makhachev Roars – High-Level Sambo Will Make Della Maddalena Crumble in the Cage

Islam Makhachev, the reigning pound-for-pound king of the UFC, is not just moving up in weight — he’s moving in with one mission: domination. With a shift to welterweight in the works, Makhachev has set his sights squarely on Jack Della Maddalena, the newly crowned 170-pound champion.

And if you ask Makhachev, his world-class Sambo will be the weapon that breaks Della Maddalena’s will inside the Octagon.

Islam Makhachev Is Ready to Conquer a Second Division

After conquering the lightweight division and defending his title with surgical precision, Islam Makhachev now finds himself at a crossroads. Rather than sticking around for recycled challengers or rematches, the Dagestani fighter is seeking a new mountain to climb.

That mountain? The UFC welterweight title.

Standing atop that summit is Jack Della Maddalena, the smooth, heavy-handed striker from Australia who recently dethroned the belt’s previous holder. But to Makhachev, Della Maddalena’s title reign is on borrowed time.

“He’s good, but I’m better,” Makhachev said after a training session. “I have fought better strikers, and I make them tired. I make them quit. Sambo breaks people — and I will break him.”

High-Level Sambo vs. Elite Striking

The potential bout between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is being billed as a classic striker-vs-grappler clash — but this isn’t your typical stylistic battle.

Makhachev’s Sambo isn’t just a grappling base. It’s a complete combat system, refined over decades in the unforgiving gyms of Dagestan. Under the tutelage of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and in the company of Khabib, Islam’s game has evolved into a suffocating and precise engine of destruction.

Against the best strikers in the world — from Charles Oliveira to Alexander Volkanovski — Makhachev has not only survived but thrived. His pressure, timing, and fight IQ allow him to dictate the pace and location of every fight.

“You can’t fight Islam on your terms,” said Javier Mendez, head coach at AKA. “He drags you into his world — and once you’re there, there’s no escape.”

On the other side, Jack Della Maddalena is perhaps the cleanest boxer in the UFC today. With devastating body work, slick angles, and pinpoint accuracy, the Aussie has outclassed every opponent he’s faced on the feet.

But what happens when that boxer can’t plant his feet? When he’s forced to defend single legs and ride the cage for 15 or 25 minutes? Makhachev’s message is clear — Della Maddalena will crumble under the grind.

Makhachev’s Climb Mirrors Khabib’s Path

Just like Khabib Nurmagomedov before him, Makhachev’s rise has been built on discipline, dominance, and relentless grappling. While Khabib retired undefeated, he never made the jump to a second division.

Makhachev intends to do what even Khabib didn’t — become a two-division UFC champion.

And he’s not doing it for fame. Not for money. It’s about legacy.

“I want to prove I’m the best in the world — not just in one weight class, but in any weight,” Makhachev told UFC Arabia. “Della Maddalena is a good champion, but I’m going to show the level.”

The Sambo master is not underestimating Della Maddalena — but he’s confident that superior fundamentals and a world-class grappling base will expose the Aussie’s weaknesses.

Della Maddalena’s Biggest Test Yet

No one is questioning Jack Della Maddalena’s talent. The man is a killer on the feet, possessing a rare mix of patience, power, and precision. He’s climbed the rankings with highlight-reel finishes and decisive victories.

But Makhachev isn’t just another contender. He’s a grinder of the highest order — someone who dissects opponents rather than trading fire.

While Della Maddalena has faced strong grapplers, he’s never been trapped under someone like Makhachev, who makes top control feel like a lead blanket soaked in concrete.

“Jack hasn’t faced a guy like this,” UFC commentator Michael Bisping said. “He can defend takedowns, sure — but can he stop 20 of them? Can he stop the chain wrestling, the positional dominance, the constant threat? That’s the question.”

The Mental War: Dagestan’s Fortitude vs. Australia’s Fire

Beyond the physical matchup, this bout would represent a clash of cultures and mentalities.

For Dagestani fighters like Islam Makhachev, combat is not entertainment — it’s identity. Trained from childhood in grueling conditions, they approach the fight game with monastic focus and grit.

In contrast, Della Maddalena’s rise is one of passion and refinement. He’s a student of the sweet science, and his laid-back demeanor masks an ice-cold killer instinct.

The psychological war will be as intense as the physical one. If Makhachev can drag the fight into deep water, can Della Maddalena respond? Can he fight with his back on the mat, or will he drown in the pressure?

What’s at Stake: Legacy, Greatness, and Supremacy

This isn’t just a title fight. This is about greatness.

If Islam Makhachev dethrones Della Maddalena, he not only becomes a two-division UFC champion, but strengthens his claim as the greatest fighter on the planet. Few fighters in MMA history have defended their title, moved up in weight, and taken another belt. Makhachev would join a shortlist of legends — names like Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes.

For Della Maddalena, this is a chance to silence the doubters. Beating Islam would mean not just defending his belt, but doing so against the most dominant grappler in the UFC. It would legitimize him as a pound-for-pound great and an undisputed world champion.

Ian Garry Waiting in the Wings?

If Islam Makhachev defeats Della Maddalena, the next challenge could already be calling his name: Ian Garry.

The outspoken Irishman recently told Covers.com:

“If he beats Della Maddalena, I want that fight. There’s nothing more I want to do than go out there and beat the number one pound for pound, get the belt and prove that I’m one of the best in the world.”

With shades of McGregor vs. Khabib, a Makhachev-Garry bout could ignite the Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry once more — only this time at welterweight.

But Makhachev’s laser focus is clear: first Della Maddalena, then the rest.

Prediction: Sambo Supremacy

Stylistically, this fight is tailor-made for a Sambo showcase. Della Maddalena’s boxing is elite, but it relies on rhythm, balance, and space — all things that Makhachev systematically removes.

Expect Islam to close the distance early, press Della Maddalena to the fence, and begin the relentless Dagestani wrestling cycle: trips, chain takedowns, wrist control, smothering top pressure.

Della Maddalena is dangerous — especially early — but over 25 minutes, the odds favor the man who controls the real estate.

Prediction: Islam Makhachev via unanimous decision, or a late submission if Della Maddalena fades.

Conclusion: Makhachev Is Coming for Gold — Again

Islam Makhachev is on a mission. With lightweight conquered, his Sambo-fueled journey continues into welterweight. His eyes are locked on Jack Della Maddalena, and he’s not coming for a paycheck — he’s coming to make a statement.

“This is not personal,” Makhachev said. “This is about showing the world that Dagestan’s system is still the best. We don’t talk. We do.”

Brace yourself — the King is climbing again, and another belt may soon be added to the throne.