Team Makhachev Puts Jack Della Maddalena on Notice After He Underestimated Islam
The buildup to UFC 322 is heating up as Islam Makhachev prepares to make his welterweight debut against champion Jack Della Maddalena. While the matchup promises a clash of styles, Makhachev’s camp has issued a stern warning to the reigning titleholder, emphasizing that underestimating the Dagestani fighter could be a costly mistake.
Javier Mendez Issues Striking Warning
Javier Mendez, head coach at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), is no stranger to elite competition. Having trained champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and Cain Velasquez, Mendez is uniquely qualified to assess Makhachev’s abilities. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Mendez stressed that opponents often misjudge Makhachev’s striking.
“I hope JDM goes in believing that, because when he gets in there with Islam, he’s gonna find out a whole different story,” Mendez explained. “By no means is Islam an easy fight for anybody. Any MMA fighter that’s a striker is not going to have an easy time with him. Don’t go by what you see. When you’re in there with that man, it’s a whole different ball game.”
Mendez highlighted Makhachev’s timing, power, and fight IQ, insisting that these qualities make him a nightmare matchup for even the most polished strikers. He also suggested that Makhachev is on a trajectory to surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov in terms of career achievements, underscoring the level of confidence within the AKA camp.
Maddalena’s Perspective
On the other side, Jack Della Maddalena has made a name for himself as one of the UFC’s most precise strikers. Known for his crisp combinations and lethal finishing ability, Maddalena’s team believes his boxing could exploit any potential weakness in Makhachev’s defense.
Head coach Ben Vickers expressed doubts about Makhachev’s durability, suggesting that a clean, well-timed shot from Maddalena could end the fight. “I just don’t think that Islam has the chin that Belal Muhammad has. We know for a fact that if Jack clips someone clean on the chin, they could go over,” Vickers said. He compared Makhachev’s toughness to Belal Muhammad, arguing that the former lightweight may not possess the same resilience when facing a heavy-hitting opponent like Maddalena.
Clash of Styles
The fight is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stylistic battles of the year. On one hand, Makhachev brings his renowned Sambo-based grappling, elite wrestling, and improving striking to the table. On the other, Maddalena offers clinical boxing, sharp counters, and knockout power. The verbal sparring between camps has added an extra layer of intrigue, highlighting the contrasting approaches both fighters will bring to the Octagon.
Mendez emphasized that while Maddalena may be a polished striker, he is no match for Makhachev’s full skill set. Makhachev has consistently demonstrated the ability to neutralize top-level strikers, a feat that has solidified his reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC.
The Stakes at UFC 322
Scheduled for November 15 at Madison Square Garden, UFC 322 carries enormous significance for both fighters. For Makhachev, a successful welterweight debut would establish him as a force in a second weight class and enhance his claim to be one of MMA’s elite pound-for-pound athletes. For Maddalena, defending his title against a fighter of Makhachev’s caliber is a chance to prove that his striking precision can withstand elite-level grappling and athleticism.
The verbal exchanges between camps have only heightened anticipation. Makhachev’s team has framed the bout as a test of Maddalena’s assumptions about the former lightweight champion, while Maddalena’s camp has highlighted potential vulnerabilities in Makhachev’s chin and ability to absorb power at 170 pounds.
Legacy and Expectations
A victory for Islam Makhachev in his welterweight debut would cement his status as one of the most versatile and dominant fighters in MMA history. It would also reinforce the legacy of Javier Mendez and American Kickboxing Academy, showcasing the effectiveness of their training philosophy that blends grappling mastery with precise striking.
For Jack Della Maddalena, the stakes are equally high. A win over Makhachev would validate his rise as one of the UFC’s premier welterweights and prove that his boxing can neutralize the skills of elite grapplers. The outcome will not only affect rankings and title lineage but also shape the narrative around the future of the 170-pound division.
The Road Ahead
As fight week approaches, both camps are finalizing strategies. Makhachev will rely on his experience, grappling dominance, and improved striking to challenge Maddalena’s boxing, while Maddalena will look to capitalize on any openings with clean, devastating strikes. The clash promises a high-stakes showdown where timing, power, and fight IQ will determine the victor.
The stage is set for UFC 322 to deliver one of the year’s most intriguing matchups. Whether Islam Makhachev proves his supremacy at welterweight or Jack Della Maddalena asserts his striking dominance, fans can expect a technical, high-intensity battle that could have lasting implications for both fighters’ careers and the broader welterweight division.
