UFC 322 Shock? Jack Della Maddalena’s Key Skill Threatens Makhachev’s Reign

UFC 322 is rapidly shaping up as one of the most compelling events of the year, headlined by Islam Makhachev’s debut at welterweight against reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena. While Makhachev is celebrated as one of the most dominant fighters in lightweight history, insiders are now suggesting that his quest for a second division belt may not be as smooth as expected. Fans around the world are bracing for a clash that could redefine the trajectory of both fighters’ careers, as Madison Square Garden prepares to host one of the most highly anticipated UFC cards in recent memory.

Makhachev Eyes Historic Two-Division Glory

After vacating his lightweight belt earlier this year, Makhachev has set his sights on becoming a two-division champion, a feat that would place him among the elite in UFC history. Having made his name with a decade-spanning winning streak, Makhachev brings an unparalleled combination of grappling mastery, relentless pressure, and stamina that has allowed him to dominate some of the sport’s toughest opponents.

The Russian star’s transition to welterweight marks a significant step in his career. While many fans expect Makhachev to cruise through the new division, experts caution that the size and strength of welterweights present new challenges. Unlike the lightweight division, where Makhachev’s technical superiority and elite conditioning often sufficed to overwhelm opponents, welterweights offer more physical resistance and power, potentially complicating his traditional game plan.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Grappling Defense Could Be the X-Factor

Rising welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is not just another opponent; he is a fighter with a distinct style that could neutralize Makhachev’s signature strengths. According to UFC analyst Carlos Prates, Della Maddalena’s takedown defense could prove decisive in the fight, potentially forcing Makhachev into prolonged striking exchanges where he may not hold the same advantage.

“Jack has shown he’s grown up a lot as a fighter,” Prates told Uncrowned. “He’s got really good skills to fight someone like Belal Muhammad. He defends takedowns, so I think he’s gonna win. Yeah, I think a decision, it’s a really hard fight.”

This perspective is particularly noteworthy because Makhachev’s rise has been built almost entirely on control, wrestling, and grappling dominance. If Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing and avoid being taken down, it could upset Makhachev’s rhythm, forcing him to fight in an arena that may not fully suit his strengths. The Australian’s ability to blend striking and defensive grappling gives him a tactical edge that few opponents have successfully exploited against Makhachev before.

Makhachev’s Strength and Conditioning Remain Elite

Despite the concerns surrounding his welterweight debut, Makhachev remains a formidable physical specimen. Coached by Javier Mendez at American Kickboxing Academy, Makhachev has consistently demonstrated elite strength, technique, and fight IQ. Mendez himself has described Makhachev as the strongest lightweight he has ever trained, emphasizing that his physical power could help him contend with larger welterweights.

“I think the biggest thing on our side is he’s very strong. He’s super, super strong. Out of all my lightweights, he is the strongest one. Not even close,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “He’s the guy that has the best opportunity to handle the strength of the bigger guys.”

This combination of physicality and technical skill makes Makhachev a unique challenge for Della Maddalena. While the Australian may have an edge in takedown defense, Makhachev’s raw strength and clinch control could still allow him to dominate certain aspects of the fight, especially if he is able to close the distance and implement his wrestling effectively.

Strategic Implications of the Fight

UFC 322 is more than just a title fight—it is a strategic chess match between two fighters with very different skill sets. Makhachev’s game revolves around relentless pressure, superior grappling, and controlling the Octagon, while Della Maddalena’s strategy is centered on defensive grappling, efficient striking, and exploiting opportunities when opponents overcommit.

The outcome of the fight may hinge on small details: who can dictate the pace, who can adapt under pressure, and who can exploit subtle weaknesses in the other’s game. For Makhachev, maintaining his signature control and composure will be critical, especially if Della Maddalena succeeds in keeping exchanges standing. For Della Maddalena, staying patient, defending takedowns, and landing precise strikes could be enough to steal the win.

High Stakes Across the Card

While the main event captures the spotlight, UFC 322 also features other high-stakes matchups that contribute to the drama of the evening. Notably, Carlos Prates, who suffered a decision loss to Ian Garry in his last outing, will face former champion Leon Edwards on the undercard. Prates’ experience with setbacks provides him with insight into how momentum can shift in high-profile fights, adding further credibility to his prediction that Della Maddalena could exploit Makhachev’s weaknesses.

This broader context emphasizes that UFC 322 is not just about one fight—it’s about a night of high-level competition where a single tactical advantage can define careers. Fans should be prepared for action-packed bouts across the card, with multiple fighters capable of delivering memorable performances.

What UFC Fans Can Expect

Spectators at Madison Square Garden and viewers around the world can anticipate a fight that is likely to go the distance, filled with high-level striking, wrestling, and strategic adjustments. While Makhachev possesses an unmatched grappling arsenal, Della Maddalena’s ability to control takedown attempts and maintain distance makes him a dangerous adversary.

The fight represents a rare scenario in which a favorite faces a legitimate tactical threat due to a specialized skill set. While many assume Makhachev’s dominance will carry him to victory, Della Maddalena’s focused game plan could disrupt the Russian star’s rhythm, potentially leading to one of the biggest upsets of the year.

Legacy Implications

Beyond the immediate result, UFC 322 carries significant implications for the legacies of both fighters. For Makhachev, a successful debut at welterweight would solidify his status as one of the sport’s elite, joining a rare class of two-division champions. Conversely, a loss would highlight the difficulty of transitioning between weight classes, even for a fighter with a decade of dominance.

For Della Maddalena, victory over Makhachev would be career-defining. It would showcase his tactical acumen, resilience, and adaptability against one of MMA’s most feared grapplers, elevating him to a position of prominence within the welterweight division and potentially positioning him as a new face of the UFC.

Conclusion

UFC 322 presents an extraordinary clash of skill, strength, and strategy. Islam Makhachev’s elite grappling, power, and decade-long dominance make him a formidable challenger in any division. However, Jack Della Maddalena’s takedown defense, striking precision, and tactical intelligence offer a unique counter to Makhachev’s approach.

Fans can expect a night of high drama and technical brilliance, where the outcome is far from guaranteed. Whether Makhachev cements his legacy as a two-division champion or Della Maddalena stages a career-defining upset, UFC 322 promises a defining moment in MMA history. One thing is certain: this fight will be talked about for years to come.