Secret strategy from Volkanovski: Maddalena brings a ‘weapon’ to face Makhachev!

In what could be one of the most compelling bouts of the year, new UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is preparing to defend his title against Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight king and No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The Russian phenom will vacate his 155-pound strap to pursue two-division greatness later this year against Australia’s surging knockout artist.

This will mark the third time Makhachev has faced an elite Aussie inside the Octagon—after two legendary battles with Alexander Volkanovski. And this time, Australia believes it has the answer.

Makhachev Moves Up in Weight for UFC History

Islam Makhachev (25-1) has cleaned out the UFC’s lightweight division. With back-to-back wins over Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, the Dagestani fighter has firmly secured his place at the top of the MMA mountain. Now, he’s aiming to become the latest double-champion in UFC history, following in the footsteps of legends like Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and Daniel Cormier.

The UFC has now confirmed that Makhachev will relinquish his lightweight belt, paving the way for his jump to 170 pounds, where Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) awaits.

And make no mistake—this isn’t just a payday or tune-up for Islam. This is legacy-defining.

“To be the best, I need to challenge the best across all divisions,” Makhachev said in a statement. “Jack is the champion now, and I will take that belt from him.”

Jack Della Maddalena: The Dark Horse Turned King

The rise of Jack Della Maddalena has been nothing short of spectacular. Since his UFC debut in 2022, the Perth native has strung together a series of violent, highlight-reel finishes, culminating in a five-round masterclass against Belal Muhammad to claim the UFC welterweight crown.

Now holding the belt, ‘JDM’ is Australia’s newest UFC champion, and he’s ready to face the toughest challenge of his career.

“I’m confident I can get this one done,” Della Maddalena said this week. “I’ve watched what Volk did. I’ve studied Islam. I believe I have the weapons to beat him.”

And perhaps most notably, Della Maddalena isn’t going into this blind. He’s already spoken about reaching out to Alexander Volkanovski, the only man to face Makhachev twice, to glean insight and strategy from his experiences.

“I Definitely Plan To Talk To Volk” – JDM Taps into Aussie Brotherhood

In an interview with The West Sport, Della Maddalena revealed his plans to collaborate with Volkanovski in the lead-up to the fight.

“Yeah, 100 percent, I definitely plan to,” he said. “After the last two fights, I’ve spent a bit of time in Wollongong. So yeah, I think, [it will] probably be the first stop—to go to Wollongong, talk to Volk, see what he reckons.”

Volkanovski has shared nearly 30 minutes inside the Octagon with Makhachev across two unforgettable fights. The first saw Volk lose a razor-thin unanimous decision, with many fans and analysts believing he did enough to win. The second, on short notice, ended in a devastating head-kick knockout from Makhachev.

Still, few fighters know the ins and outs of Islam’s style better than Volkanovski, and JDM is making a smart move by tapping into that knowledge base.

A New Style Clash: Grappling Mauler vs Striking Technician

The matchup itself is absolutely tantalizing.

Makhachev’s strengths are no mystery: relentless pressure, elite-level grappling and submissions, suffocating control, and striking that continues to evolve under the tutelage of coach Javier Mendez and the famed AKA team.

But Della Maddalena presents a different threat. He’s not a wild brawler—he’s a precision striker with exceptional boxing, slick movement, and a knack for timing counters with fight-ending accuracy.

He’s not just going to try to “survive” Islam—he’s going to look to finish him.

“I think Islam is a better version of Belal,” Della Maddalena observed. “But I also think he’s easier to read. He stays in one stance. He’s more traditional. I like that. It gives me something to exploit.”

That may sound bold, but JDM isn’t bluffing. He’s already begun studying Makhachev’s tendencies, and his camp is laser-focused on takedown defense, scrambling, and keeping the fight upright.

Can Makhachev’s Style Translate to 170 Pounds?

This is the biggest “what if” of the fight.

While Islam Makhachev is dominant at lightweight, the welterweight division is full of bigger, stronger opponents. Makhachev is not a large lightweight to begin with. Fighters like Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards, and now Jack Della Maddalena will have a size and strength advantage that Makhachev has never dealt with.

That doesn’t mean he can’t win—but it’s a different game when the guys you’re trying to hold down aren’t giving up 10 pounds of muscle.

“That’s where Volk’s experience becomes crucial,” Della Maddalena said. “He’s already felt Islam’s strength. I want to know what to expect before I feel it for myself.”

Makhachev’s Mentality: No Room for Doubt

Despite the risks, Makhachev is as confident as ever.

“I’ve beaten the best. It’s time for a new challenge,” he told UFC Arabia. “I respect Jack, but I’ve seen his style before. He’s never faced someone like me.”

This move, however, is more than just ambition. It’s about seizing his place in history. Should Makhachev defeat JDM and claim the welterweight belt, he will join an elite club of two-division champions—and arguably become the most dominant fighter of the modern era.

The MMA World Reacts: Is This Australia’s Time?

Fans and analysts are buzzing at the announcement of this mega-fight.

Michael Bisping, former UFC middleweight champion, weighed in on his YouTube channel:

“This is a fantastic fight. You’ve got a dominant grappler in Makhachev and an elite boxer in JDM. If Jack can stuff the takedowns and keep the fight on the feet, we could be looking at a massive upset.”

Daniel Cormier, Makhachev’s mentor, had a more cautious take:

“Don’t underestimate Jack. He’s got real hands. But Islam is on another level. It’s going to come down to whether Jack can survive the first few grappling exchanges.”

Prediction and Stakes

This fight has the potential to shake up two divisions. If Della Maddalena wins, he solidifies his reign and becomes the man who stopped the Dagestani takeover. If Makhachev wins, he etches his name alongside the greatest of all time.

And if it’s a war—fans win no matter what.

Fight Details (To Be Confirmed):

• Event: UFC PPV (TBD)

• Date: Late 2025 (official announcement expected soon)

• Location: Likely Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi

• Title on the Line: UFC Welterweight Championship

Final Word: Third Time’s the Charm for Australia?

Islam Makhachev has already shut the door on two Aussie dreams. But now, Jack Della Maddalena carries the hopes of a nation—and a belt—into a high-stakes showdown with the world’s most dominant fighter.

He’s prepared. He’s focused. And this time, he’s ready to shock the world.

Can Jack Della Maddalena do what Alexander Volkanovski couldn’t?

Or will Islam Makhachev conquer another division, and further cement his place as one of the greatest fighters the UFC has ever seen?