“The Champion Might Fall” — Della Maddalena Could Shock Islam Makhachev

UFC 322 is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated fight cards of the year, headlined by Islam Makhachev’s debut at welterweight against reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena. While Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the most dominant lightweights in MMA history, some insiders now believe that the Aussie could pull off a career-defining upset. The potential for a shock victory adds a new layer of intrigue, with fans around the world preparing for a clash that could alter the welterweight landscape forever.

Makhachev’s Quest for Two-Division Glory

After vacating his lightweight title earlier this year, Islam Makhachev has set his sights on becoming a two-division champion—an achievement that would cement his place among UFC legends. Known for his relentless grappling, control on the mat, and elite fight IQ, Makhachev has dominated opponents for over a decade, building a record that few can rival.

Despite his dominance in the lightweight division, moving up to welterweight presents new challenges. Opponents are bigger, stronger, and more capable of absorbing his takedowns and pressure. Analysts suggest that while Makhachev’s technique and conditioning remain elite, his usual path to victory could be complicated by the size and strength of top welterweights.

Jack Della Maddalena: The Tactical Threat

Jack Della Maddalena has quietly established himself as one of the most dangerous welterweights in the UFC. With a well-rounded skill set, he excels in both striking and grappling defense. According to UFC analyst Carlos Prates, Della Maddalena’s takedown defense could be the key to shocking Makhachev.

“Jack has grown up a lot as a fighter,” Prates told Uncrowned. “He defends takedowns well, and against someone like Makhachev, that could be the difference. I see him winning a decision—it’s a tough fight, but he has the tools to do it.”

Della Maddalena’s ability to keep fights standing forces grapplers like Makhachev into uncomfortable positions. By neutralizing takedowns, he can exploit openings with striking combinations and counter-attacks, potentially dictating the pace of the fight. This makes him a legitimate threat despite Makhachev’s decade-long winning streak.

Makhachev’s Strength and Experience

While Della Maddalena poses a unique challenge, Makhachev’s physical strength, elite conditioning, and technical prowess remain significant advantages. Trained by Javier Mendez at American Kickboxing Academy, Makhachev has been described as the strongest lightweight the gym has ever produced. Mendez noted, “He’s very strong, super strong. Out of all my lightweights, he’s the strongest—not even close. He’s the guy with the best opportunity to handle the strength of bigger opponents.”

Makhachev’s grappling expertise, cage control, and fight IQ allow him to dominate opponents methodically. Even when facing bigger fighters, his ability to adapt, pressure, and capitalize on mistakes has proven historically effective. However, the combination of Della Maddalena’s defensive grappling and striking precision creates a potential scenario where Makhachev may be forced out of his comfort zone.

Why UFC 322 Could Be a Turning Point

The stakes at UFC 322 are enormous for both fighters. A victory for Makhachev would confirm his place as a two-division champion, elevating him to elite status alongside legends like Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier. For Della Maddalena, a win would be career-defining, cementing him as one of the most dangerous welterweights in the sport.

Analysts point out that fights involving champions moving up in weight often carry unexpected outcomes. Historical trends show that even dominant fighters can struggle when facing opponents who specialize in defensive grappling and distance management. Della Maddalena fits this profile, making the potential for a shock upset more than just speculation—it’s a real possibility.

Tactical Breakdown: How Della Maddalena Could Win

Della Maddalena’s path to victory likely revolves around three key factors:

1. Takedown Defense: By preventing Makhachev from controlling him on the mat, Della Maddalena can keep the fight in striking range.

2. Precision Striking: Landing clean punches and kicks while exploiting openings can accumulate points and wear Makhachev down over five rounds.

3. Cardio and Pace Control: Maintaining energy while dictating the tempo can frustrate Makhachev and force mistakes, creating opportunities for significant strikes.

This combination makes Della Maddalena a strategically dangerous opponent who could exploit small openings to secure a historic win.

Makhachev’s Counterplay

Despite the challenges, Makhachev has the tools to respond effectively. His grappling control, clinch work, and strength allow him to neutralize striking threats if he can close the distance. By forcing exchanges on the mat, he can reduce Della Maddalena’s offensive options and capitalize on submissions or ground-and-pound opportunities.

However, the fight will likely test Makhachev’s ability to adapt under pressure. If Della Maddalena keeps the fight upright and frustrates his grappling attempts, the bout could go the distance, putting judges in a position to favor the fighter who dictates pace and controls moments—potentially Della Maddalena.

High Stakes Across the Card

UFC 322 also features a stacked undercard, including Carlos Prates vs. Leon Edwards, which adds context to the main event. Prates, who recently lost to Ian Garry, has firsthand experience with how momentum shifts can affect top-tier fights. His perspective reinforces the idea that even dominant champions can face unexpected obstacles, particularly when confronted with specialized opponents.

The broader card emphasizes that UFC 322 is not just a single fight but a high-level competitive night where every tactical decision matters. Fans can expect a combination of thrilling knockouts, technical grappling, and tactical mastery throughout the event.

Legacy Implications

A victory for Makhachev would solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s most dominant figures. He would join the exclusive list of two-division champions, further distinguishing himself from his contemporaries. Conversely, a Della Maddalena win would redefine the welterweight division, propelling the Aussie into stardom and shaking up the hierarchy.

The fight represents more than a title clash—it is a moment that could redefine MMA history, demonstrating that even the most dominant champions are vulnerable when matched against fighters with targeted strategies and specialized skills.

Conclusion

UFC 322 promises a night of skill, strategy, and potential surprises. While Islam Makhachev brings unmatched grappling, strength, and experience, Jack Della Maddalena’s takedown defense, striking precision, and tactical intelligence make him a legitimate candidate for a shock victory.

Fans should expect a battle that tests both fighters’ limits, with the potential for one of the most memorable upsets in recent UFC history. Whether Makhachev continues his dominance or Della Maddalena shocks the world, UFC 322 will be an unforgettable milestone in MMA. The champion might fall, and the welterweight division could never be the same again.