One Strike Away: Jack Della Maddalena Reveals the Simple Technique to Beat Islam Makhachev

The welterweight division of the UFC is about to witness one of the most fascinating clashes in recent memory as Jack Della Maddalena, the newly crowned welterweight champion, prepares to defend his title against the formidable Islam Makhachev. The Australian sensation, fresh off his victory over Belal Muhammad, now faces the man widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. Yet, according to experts and fans alike, the fight may come down to one deceptively simple technique that could change everything.

Della Maddalena’s Meteoric Rise

At just 28 years old, Jack Della Maddalena has become one of Australia’s brightest MMA stars. His style combines sharp boxing, excellent distance management, and unshakable composure inside the octagon. Against Belal Muhammad in May, he showcased his ability to maintain control across five rounds, securing a unanimous decision victory to claim the undisputed welterweight title.

For many, this was a validation of what they already believed—that Della Maddalena has the tools and mindset to dominate the division. However, his next challenge is unlike any he has faced before.

The Dagestani Destroyer Moves Up

Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion until recently, has long been considered the heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s throne. With his smothering wrestling, devastating top control, and increasingly dangerous striking, Makhachev has bulldozed nearly every opponent put in front of him. But after clearing out the lightweight division, he announced his move to welterweight, setting his sights on history.

Makhachev isn’t just moving up for the challenge—he wants to become a two-division champion. And his first assignment at 170 pounds will be against the newly minted champion, Jack Della Maddalena.

The Odds Are Against the Aussie

Sportsbooks around the world have been quick to favor Makhachev. Some betting lines already have him as high as a 4-to-1 favorite, suggesting that oddsmakers believe the Dagestani’s grappling and championship experience will overwhelm the Australian champion.

For Makhachev, the reasoning is simple: his ground game is among the best the UFC has ever seen. If he can close the distance and get Della Maddalena to the mat, many believe it will only be a matter of time before he finds a submission or secures a dominant decision win.

But not everyone agrees.

Chael Sonnen’s Surprising Take

Former UFC contender and now-analyst Chael Sonnen has thrown a different perspective into the conversation. According to Sonnen, the fight could boil down to one single, straightforward technique that Della Maddalena needs to master—the double leg defense.

“There’s only one move, which is a double leg,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “Now, there’s another position known as a body lock, and there are different options from there, and there’s ways to do it. But if you go out there and you repeat that insult—that Jack Della Maddalena, our reigning champion, can’t defend one technique against a 155-pounder—it’s crazy.”

In other words, Sonnen believes that if Della Maddalena can neutralize Makhachev’s double leg takedown attempts, the fight dramatically shifts in his favor.

Why the Double Leg Matters

The double leg takedown has long been a staple of wrestling and MMA. For grapplers like Makhachev, it serves as both a primary weapon and a setup for chain wrestling attacks. Once Makhachev gets an opponent down, his smothering pressure and ability to control from top position often lead to fight-ending moments.

However, Della Maddalena has a significant advantage in striking. His crisp boxing, especially his ability to throw accurate combinations and set traps with his jab, makes him one of the most dangerous stand-up fighters in the UFC. If he can force Makhachev to stay on the feet, the fight tilts heavily in the Australian’s favor.

That is why defending the double leg is not just important—it is the key to the entire fight.

Della Maddalena’s Confidence

Though he has not publicly broken down the fight in detail, those close to Della Maddalena insist that he is embracing the challenge. His composure and self-belief have been trademarks of his career so far, and facing a dominant grappler like Makhachev only fuels his motivation.

What makes the Australian champion intriguing is his ability to adapt mid-fight. Against Belal Muhammad, he patiently picked his moments, landing when opportunities presented themselves and refusing to overcommit. Against Makhachev, that same patience may allow him to find the perfect opening to land a fight-changing strike.

Madison Square Garden Showdown

While no official announcement has been made, rumors are swirling that this blockbuster matchup could headline the UFC’s annual card at Madison Square Garden in November. The iconic venue has hosted some of the sport’s biggest nights, and a clash between Makhachev and Della Maddalena would fit perfectly into that legacy.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Makhachev, it’s the chance to claim a second division and etch his name into history as one of the greatest ever. For Della Maddalena, it’s the opportunity to prove that he belongs among the elite, defeating a pound-for-pound great in his prime.

Styles Make Fights

When breaking down this matchup, the phrase “styles make fights” has never been truer. On one hand, Makhachev brings suffocating wrestling, impeccable cardio, and elite submission skills. On the other, Della Maddalena offers crisp striking, durability, and the poise of a champion who never seems rattled.

If Makhachev can impose his will early and drag the fight to the ground, it could be a long night for the Australian. But if Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing and land his powerful combinations, the narrative of Makhachev’s invincibility could be shattered in dramatic fashion.

The Simple Yet Complex Path to Victory

What makes Sonnen’s analysis so fascinating is its simplicity. On paper, all Della Maddalena needs to do is stop the double leg. In practice, however, that is one of the most difficult tasks in MMA. Makhachev has built his career on finding ways to get his opponents down, often chaining multiple attempts together until he succeeds.

Still, fights are not won on paper. And if Della Maddalena can execute, the welterweight division could be in for a seismic shift.

Final Thoughts

The looming showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev is one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. It’s a clash of styles, a test of wills, and potentially a defining moment for both fighters.

For Makhachev, victory would solidify his dominance across two divisions. For Della Maddalena, victory would mark the arrival of a new superstar in the UFC.

And in the end, it may all come down to one thing: can Jack Della Maddalena stop Islam Makhachev’s double leg takedown? If he can, then one perfectly timed strike might be all it takes to shock the world.