Secret Weapon or a Risky Move? Jack Della Maddalena Collaborates with Volkanovski to Face Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena is taking a bold step as he prepares for his UFC welterweight title defense against Islam Makhachev. The Australian fighter has teamed up with fellow countryman and UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a strategic partnership that could prove pivotal in his quest to keep the belt. This collaboration between two of Australia’s top MMA stars brings together proven champions who understand the pressure and demands of fighting at the sport’s highest level.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Title Defense Strategy for UFC 317

Della Maddalena is gearing up for his first title defense at UFC 317, focusing on collaboration, intensive training, and deep study of Makhachev’s fighting style. His camp is zeroed in on improving technical skills, conditioning, and mental toughness to face one of the toughest opponents in the welterweight division.

Training Plans with Alexander Volkanovski: Learning from a Champion

Jack’s decision to train alongside Alexander Volkanovski makes strategic sense. Volkanovski’s experience as a former featherweight champion and his history of fighting Makhachev in the UFC gives him unique insights. Their training together in Australia includes:

• Technical drills

• Fight-camp sparring

• Specific game plans tailored to Makhachev’s style

Volkanovski’s work ethic and fight IQ are expected to help Jack sharpen both his striking and grappling defenses, especially focusing on takedown defense and controlling fight pace during the intense five-round battles.

Preparing for Islam Makhachev: Strategy and Focus

Islam Makhachev is renowned for his dominant wrestling, superior stamina, and relentless control. Della Maddalena’s camp is building a game plan to counter these strengths by:

• Improving takedown defense and footwork

• Enhancing conditioning to maintain pace throughout the fight

• Bringing in specialist grapplers to mimic Makhachev’s style for realistic training

• Conducting detailed film study, including analyzing Makhachev’s fight against Volkanovski, to spot weaknesses and tendencies

Adaptability and attention to detail remain central to Della Maddalena’s camp approach.

UFC 317: The Pressure of Defending the Welterweight Title

The upcoming title defense will headline UFC 317, putting Jack under the bright lights and immense pressure of a major UFC event. His team is balancing hard sparring sessions with recovery and media duties, while closely monitoring his fitness and weight.

Jack is also focusing on mental preparation, working with sports psychologists to maintain composure and focus, ensuring he peaks physically and mentally for this high-stakes fight against Makhachev.

Alexander Volkanovski’s Impact: A Champion’s Edge

Volkanovski’s involvement brings rare benefits to Della Maddalena’s camp. Known for:

• His technical striking and wrestling blend

• Tactical fight IQ and cage control

• Ability to adapt mid-fight against elite opponents

Volkanovski’s championship experience gives Jack invaluable guidance on handling pressure, crafting smart fight strategies, and maintaining discipline.

Shared Experience at the Top of the UFC

Both Volkanovski and Della Maddalena have navigated the challenges of being UFC champions. Volkanovski’s multiple title defenses and high-level fights offer Jack real-world lessons in mental toughness and strategic preparation, especially since Volkanovski has already faced Islam Makhachev in the octagon.

This shared experience enhances Jack’s confidence and readiness for his own title defense.

Breaking Down the Challenge: Islam Makhachev

As the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev’s skills include:

• Elite wrestling and Sambo grappling

• High fight control time, with an average of 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes

• Effective submission game, notably arm triangles and rear-naked chokes

• Improved striking to complement his grappling dominance

Makhachev’s relentless pressure and top control make him a nightmare matchup, especially for fighters with striking-heavy styles like Della Maddalena.

Key Strategies Against Makhachev’s Submission Game

Defending against Makhachev’s grappling requires:

• Stuffing takedowns through underhooks and lateral movement

• Maintaining distance using jabs and kicks

• Quickly returning to feet if taken down

• Protecting neck and arms to avoid submissions during scrambles

Training with Volkanovski, who has firsthand experience against Makhachev, is crucial in preparing Jack to implement these defensive strategies effectively.

UFC Landscape: Implications of This Title Defense

The outcome of Della Maddalena’s fight against Makhachev could shake up the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions. Key fighters like Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira are waiting in the wings, ready to capitalize on any shifts in the division’s hierarchy.

A Della Maddalena win or impressive performance could open doors for:

• New matchups against top contenders

• Potential rematches or cross-divisional bouts

• Shifts in vacant or defended titles impacting multiple weight classes

Dana White and the Future of Australian MMA

UFC president Dana White is likely to spotlight this Australian powerhouse collaboration, potentially leading to more high-profile events featuring local talent. Jack and Volkanovski’s partnership not only symbolizes the strength of Australian MMA but also sets the stage for more international UFC cards and increased global interest.

Conclusion: A Smart Move or a Risky Gamble?

Jack Della Maddalena’s collaboration with Alexander Volkanovski could be the secret weapon needed to keep his welterweight title against the tough challenge posed by Islam Makhachev. With Volkanovski’s championship experience, tactical knowledge, and firsthand insights into Makhachev’s style, Jack is better equipped than ever to prepare.

However, Makhachev’s relentless grappling and fight control remain a huge obstacle. Whether this partnership turns into a winning formula or a risky gamble will be revealed when they step into the octagon at UFC 317.

Regardless of the outcome, this strategic alliance highlights the evolving nature of MMA training and the power of champions helping champions.