What Will Makhachev Do If He Can't Take Down Maddalena? The Fight That Has Divided Experts Sharply!

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The hypothetical clash between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has become one of the most intriguing matchups in mixed martial arts. While Makhachev, the dominant lightweight champion known for his wrestling and grappling, has steamrolled opponents with his ground game, Maddalena, the sharp Aussie striker, presents a unique puzzle that many believe could neutralize the Dagestani’s greatest weapon.

The Big Question: Can Islam Makhachev Take Jack Della Maddalena Down?

The central narrative in this fight is simple but explosive: what happens if Islam Makhachev cannot secure the takedown? Makhachev has built his career on overwhelming his opponents with suffocating top pressure, smothering guard passes, and relentless ground-and-pound. Against elite strikers like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and even Alexander Volkanovski, this formula has been nearly unstoppable.

But Jack Della Maddalena isn’t like the others. With elite takedown defense, crisp boxing, and an uncanny ability to counter as opponents shoot, he could pose the greatest challenge Makhachev has faced yet.

Jack Della Maddalena: Too Sharp, Too Fast?

Maddalena has made waves in the UFC with his slick boxing combinations, dangerous body shots, and precise footwork. His knockout power has dismantled contenders and gatekeepers alike. If Makhachev fails to put him on the mat, he’ll be forced into a dangerous striking battle where Maddalena shines brightest.

Some believe Maddalena’s sharp jab and devastating left hook to the body could slow Makhachev down, making it even harder for the Dagestani to shoot effectively in the later rounds.

Expert Opinions Are Sharply Divided

MMA analysts and former fighters are split. On one side, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, has publicly stated that “Islam will maul him on the ground within two rounds.”

However, others like Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen argue that Maddalena’s takedown defense, combined with his devastating boxing, will “force Islam into waters he’s never been in before.”

Makhachev’s Plan B: What Does It Look Like?

So far, Islam Makhachev has rarely needed a Plan B. His striking, while competent, lacks the refinement to hang with world-class boxers for five rounds. Against Volkanovski in their first fight, his striking was exposed in later rounds, as the Australian champion began reading his patterns and countering effectively.

If Maddalena stuffs the takedown, Makhachev may try to clinch, wear him down against the cage, and search for trips or single-leg takedowns. But in open space, he’ll be at a serious disadvantage against the Aussie’s speed and precision.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Preparation for the Grappling Threat

Maddalena is not blind to the challenge. He has reportedly been working extensively with high-level grapplers and wrestlers in preparation for such a matchup. His sprawling technique, combined with lateral movement, could frustrate Makhachev’s takedown entries.

Moreover, Maddalena’s bodywork could sap Makhachev’s energy reserves, reducing his explosive power as the fight drags into the championship rounds.

How Does the Fight Look in the Stand-Up?

If the fight remains standing, the dynamic shifts dramatically. Jack Della Maddalena holds the edge in nearly every striking category:

Faster hands
More precise footwork
Superior shot selection
More effective power punching

Makhachev has improved his striking under Javier Mendez at AKA, but his approach remains largely functional — designed to set up the takedown rather than win prolonged exchanges. Against Maddalena, that could spell disaster if he can’t get the fight to the floor early.

Fatigue Factor: Can Makhachev Keep Up?

One of the underrated aspects of this fight is conditioning. While Makhachev has shown strong cardio in fights where he controls the pace, we have yet to see him in a fight where he is forced backward, constantly defending strikes, and unable to dictate where the battle takes place.

If Jack Della Maddalena forces a high-paced striking match, will Makhachev’s gas tank hold up over five rounds? Or will we witness the Dagestani champion wilting under sustained pressure?

Psychological Warfare: Maddalena’s Trash Talk Adds Fuel to the Fire

Jack Della Maddalena hasn’t been shy in his interviews. Recently, he made headlines saying:

“We saw what Volk did to him. I’m gonna get him. He’s too little.”

That statement shook the MMA community and reportedly irked Makhachev’s camp. Whether it’s mind games or genuine confidence, Maddalena seems to be entering this fight fearless — a stark contrast to some of Makhachev’s past opponents who already seemed defeated before the first punch was thrown.

The Dagestani Response: Adjustments in Camp?

According to sources close to Makhachev’s camp, the lightweight kingpin is preparing for “a longer striking battle than usual.” Expect him to utilize more leg kicks, clinch control, and dirty boxing to slow down Maddalena’s rhythm.

Makhachev might even pull out some surprise tactics like southpaw stances or spinning attacks to catch the Australian off guard.

What the Odds Say: Makhachev Still Favored, But Slimly

Betting markets opened with Makhachev as a slight favorite, but as public interest grew, the odds tightened. Many bettors see value in Maddalena’s KO power, especially after witnessing Makhachev struggle against fast hands in the past.

Still, Makhachev’s wrestling credentials, championship experience, and calm under pressure make him a tough bet to go against.

Possible Fight Outcomes: Scenarios to Watch

Makhachev Submits Maddalena in Rounds 1-2: If he can time a double-leg early and transition to a back take, it could be a short night for the Aussie.
Maddalena TKO in Rounds 3-4: If Maddalena stuffs early takedowns and lands to the body, a late finish could be in the cards.
Five-Round War: A wild possibility, but if both men survive early adversity, we could see an instant classic where heart and grit determine the winner.
Split Decision: Styles make fights, and if control time vs. striking damage creates a scoring dilemma, don’t rule out a controversial split decision.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy on the Line

For Islam Makhachev, this fight represents more than just a title defense. It’s his opportunity to cement his reign as the pound-for-pound best, especially with Jon Jones inactive and Alex Volkanovski suffering recent losses.

For Jack Della Maddalena, this is a chance to rewrite the lightweight division’s narrative. A victory would position him as the UFC’s next global superstar and perhaps open the door to super fights against welterweight contenders.

What Are the Fighters Saying?

Makhachev:

“Jack is good, but he’s never fought someone like me. I will take him down. I will make him tired. Then I will finish him.”

Maddalena:

“That’s what they all say… until they can’t. He’ll shoot, and he’ll miss. Then it’s my world.”

Fans Are Divided: Social Media in a Frenzy

UFC fans can’t seem to agree. On one side are the traditionalists backing the Dagestani wrestling dominance. On the other, striking purists who believe Della Maddalena’s crisp hands and knockout power will shatter the myth of invincibility surrounding Makhachev.

Either way, UFC 322 (or whenever the bout is scheduled) promises to be one of the most talked-about events in recent memory.

Final Thoughts: A Clash of Styles, a Test of Will

When the cage door closes, the debate will finally be settled. Will Islam Makhachev’s elite wrestling be enough to control and neutralize one of the sharpest strikers the lightweight division has ever seen? Or will Jack Della Maddalena’s takedown defense hold, forcing Makhachev to engage in a striking war he cannot win?

The answer could redefine both men’s careers and reshape the lightweight division for years to come.

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