Islam Makhachev’s MMA coach, Javier Mendez, has identified Jack Della Maddalena as a greater challenge than Ilia Topuria following recent developments in the welterweight division. This assessment comes as Makhachev prepares to face Maddalena for the welterweight title, with the coach praising Maddalena’s comprehensive fighting skills and physical advantages.
The prospect of a superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria had generated significant interest in the MMA community. However, these possibilities shifted after Makhachev vacated his lightweight championship to move up to welterweight. This decision followed Maddalena’s victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, where Maddalena claimed the welterweight title. Subsequently, Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to capture the vacant lightweight belt with a first-round knockout, establishing himself as the new champion in that division.
During a recent interview on Submission Radio, Javier Mendez offered his perspective regarding Topuria’s status as a threat to Makhachev. While acknowledging Topuria’s skills, Mendez emphasized Maddalena’s superior size and well-rounded combat abilities. He highlighted that Maddalena is effective not only in striking but also with kicks and knees, making him a more difficult opponent overall.
“For me JDM [Maddalena] is the tougher one because of number one, the size. Number two, he’s good everywhere. If it was just boxing, then we don’t have to worry as much because Maddalena’s boxing is not as good as Topuria’s but overall, his kicking, his knees, his overall game is very good.” —Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev’s Coach
The future clash between Makhachev and Maddalena now seems imminent, while a potential matchup with Topuria appears unlikely as both fighters focus on their separate divisions. Makhachev is expected to be the first contender for Maddalena’s welterweight title, solidifying Maddalena’s role as the primary obstacle in Makhachev’s path. Meanwhile, Topuria aims to defend his lightweight crown against rising contender Paddy Pimblett, who remains undefeated.
Plans for Makhachev’s Welterweight Title Fight to Headline at Madison Square Garden
Javier Mendez has expressed enthusiasm for Makhachev’s upcoming title shot against Jack Della Maddalena, which could serve as the main event of a UFC pay-per-view held at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. Mendez highlighted the significance such a venue would carry for Makhachev’s career and legacy.
In his interview on Submission Radio, Mendez conveyed his hopes for the bout to be scheduled at Madison Square Garden, emphasizing the meaning of such a stage for the fighter’s legacy:
“That would be fantastic if the UFC gives us that bout in Madison Square Garden because Islam would love that. Nothing better to do than to win the title at Madison Square Garden, the iconic Madison Square Garden. So for him, it’s another legacy stat that he would love to go after cuz the one thing that he’s after, he’s said it time and time again, he’s after legacy fights.” —Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev’s Coach
UFC President Dana White has also expressed interest in seeing this matchup take place at Madison Square Garden, reinforcing the potential for a highly anticipated event later this year. With the fight poised to headline a pay-per-view card, it could mark a pivotal moment in the welterweight division’s landscape.
As Islam Makhachev prepares to step into the welterweight division, the focus remains on overcoming Jack Della Maddalena, whose complete skill set and physical advantages create a formidable challenge. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria strengthens his reign as lightweight champion while targeting future high-profile contenders in his weight class.