Makhachev’s Camp is Scared: Jack Della Maddalena is Warned to be Much More Dangerous than Ilia Topuria in the MMA Fight

The MMA world is buzzing with speculation and rising tension as Jack Della Maddalena continues to assert himself as one of the most dangerous contenders in the UFC. Now, fresh reports suggest that Islam Makhachev’s camp is showing signs of concern — some even say fear — over the possibility of a future matchup between the two. According to top analysts and insiders close to the lightweight champion, Maddalena poses a greater threat to Makhachev than Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight king.

So, what’s fueling this rising sense of unease? And why is Jack Della Maddalena being seen as a nightmare matchup for Islam Makhachev?

Jack Della Maddalena’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

Since joining the UFC, Jack Della Maddalena has been nothing short of phenomenal. With his sharp boxing, elite timing, and deceptive movement, the Australian fighter has racked up a string of dominant performances. Most recently, his knockout win over veteran Gilbert Burns at UFC 300 solidified him as a top contender and earned him serious respect within the welterweight division.

What makes Maddalena stand out is his ability to blend precision striking with octagon intelligence. He picks apart his opponents, breaks them down with ruthless body shots, and closes fights with clinical efficiency.

Maddalena’s fight IQ and adaptability are what many analysts say make him a truly dangerous matchup for even the most dominant fighters.

Why Makhachev’s Team is Taking Notice

Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as the most dominant lightweight in the UFC, has successfully defended his belt against top challengers including Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski. Backed by coach Javier Mendez and the AKA camp, Makhachev combines Khabib-style grappling with improved striking, making him a near-perfect fighter.

But inside sources suggest that his team is monitoring Jack Della Maddalena’s rise with caution. The fear is not that Maddalena will overpower Makhachev on the ground — few can — but that his footwork and defensive grappling could neutralize Islam’s takedown-heavy approach. This would turn the fight into a striking contest, where Maddalena holds a clear edge.

A coach from Makhachev’s circle, who asked to remain anonymous, recently said:

“Topuria is explosive, but he’s predictable. Maddalena is not. He’s patient, calm, deadly. That’s the guy who could cause real problems.”

Comparing Maddalena and Topuria: Who’s the Bigger Threat?

Ilia Topuria has earned his place among the elites. With an undefeated record and a stunning win over Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight belt, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has power, speed, and confidence in abundance. But when it comes to a potential super-fight with Makhachev, experts are beginning to lean toward Maddalena as the more dangerous opponent.

Here’s why:

• Size and Strength: Maddalena is a natural welterweight with the frame to match. If he cuts to 155, he’d still carry significant power — far more than Topuria, who’s moving up from 145.

• Boxing Skillset: Maddalena’s clean, accurate boxing is among the best in the UFC. His jab, body work, and shot selection are levels above what Topuria brings.

• Fight IQ and Composure: Maddalena fights like a veteran. He never rushes, rarely overcommits, and sets traps with ease. That composure could frustrate even Makhachev.

While Topuria remains an exciting option for superfights, insiders say Makhachev’s team is far more hesitant when it comes to facing Maddalena.

The Ground Game Question: Can Maddalena Survive Makhachev’s Wrestling?

One of the biggest hurdles for anyone fighting Islam Makhachev is surviving his relentless Dagestani-style wrestling. The champion’s ability to chain takedowns and control opponents on the ground is unmatched. But Maddalena isn’t clueless on the mat.

Though primarily a striker, Maddalena has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since his early days and holds a brown belt under Gracie lineage. More importantly, he’s shown an ability to stay calm under pressure and escape bad positions without panicking.

Analyst Michael Bisping commented on this very point during a recent podcast:

“Jack’s no slouch on the ground. You don’t see him there often, because nobody can take him down. But if Islam thinks he’ll dominate him like he did Oliveira, he might be surprised.”

How a Maddalena vs Makhachev Fight Could Unfold

A fight between Maddalena and Makhachev would be a true clash of styles. Makhachev would obviously aim to drag the Australian to the mat, nullify his striking, and work toward a submission or a grind-it-out decision.

Maddalena, on the other hand, would aim to keep the fight standing, circle away from the cage, and punish Makhachev with counters, body shots, and pressure.

The key to the bout could be in the first two rounds. If Maddalena can defend takedowns and frustrate Makhachev early, the fight could tilt dramatically in his favor.

Will UFC Book the Fight? Dana White’s Perspective

So far, UFC President Dana White has been non-committal about booking Maddalena vs Makhachev, especially with so many potential contenders at lightweight and welterweight. But he hasn’t ruled it out either.

With Maddalena climbing the welterweight rankings and hinting at a move to 155 for a title shot, the stars may soon align. The UFC loves a cross-divisional superfight, and Makhachev, who’s been teasing a jump to welterweight himself, might find Maddalena waiting for him.

Dana White was recently asked about Maddalena’s title hopes:

“The kid’s a killer. If he keeps knocking guys out like this, I don’t care what division he’s in — he’s getting a shot.”

Fan Reaction: Support for Maddalena Grows

Among fans and media, Jack Della Maddalena’s stock has never been higher. His humble persona outside the cage and vicious style inside it make him a fan favorite. On social media, many are already calling for a title shot.

Some fans have even started calling him “The Dagestani Hunter,” believing that he could finally dethrone Makhachev and end the reign of the Dagestani dominance in the lightweight division.

One fan tweeted:

“Makhachev’s team should be scared. Maddalena isn’t coming to wrestle. He’s coming to knock your head off.”

Conclusion: A Future Superfight in the Making?

The MMA landscape is always shifting, but right now, the buzz around Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev is heating up. With growing concerns from Makhachev’s camp and Maddalena’s rapid rise, this is a fight that feels inevitable.

Is Maddalena the man to dethrone Islam Makhachev? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure — he’s the most dangerous threat on the horizon, and Makhachev knows it.

If the UFC books this showdown, expect fireworks. Two elite fighters, two clashing styles, and one massive question: Can Jack Della Maddalena shock the world and finish the unbeatable champion?