Jack Della Maddalena is highly confident he will defeat Islam Makhachev when they face off, anticipating a future fight that has generated significant buzz. The bout is expected to take place later this year as Makhachev prepares to move up to welterweight in an effort to become a two-division <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC champion.

Della Maddalena recently spoke at an Eternal MMA event, emphasizing that size and strength will play a crucial role in the matchup against Makhachev. He believes his physical advantages will give him the upper hand against the lightweight champion stepping up in weight class.

It’s a dream first title defense. Pound-for-pound number one, get it back for Volk. We saw what Volk did to him. I’m gonna get him. He’s too little. He’s too little, I’m going to get him,

Della Maddalena said.

Size and Power Seen as Determining Factors in the Fight

While Islam Makhachev has been known as a larger lightweight, Della Maddalena argues that moving to welterweight may actually put Makhachev at a disadvantage. He points to the fact that featherweight Alexander Volkanovski was able to hurt Makhachev in their previous encounter, suggesting that the physical demands of the higher weight class could challenge Makhachev’s usual dominance.

Makhachev Eyes Madison Square Garden Showdown with Della Maddalena

Though the fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has not been officially announced, Makhachev has expressed his desire to compete in the bout this November at Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic venues for MMA and boxing.

I want to hold my belt from the lightweight. But it’s not possible because if I fight with Della Maddalena in October or November,

Makhachev said to MMAJunkie.

Then in February Ramadan is beginning, holding more than one year of the lightweight belt [without defending] is not what I want to do. It’s not respectful to all those. I asked [UFC CEO Dana White] if we have some opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden. It would be an honour for me to fight in the biggest arena for MMA and boxing. Legendary arena.

Makhachev, with a professional record of 27 wins and 1 loss, recently defended his lightweight title for the fourth time via submission against Renato Moicano. In contrast, Della Maddalena is an 18-2 professional who captured the welterweight belt by decision over Belal Muhammad in his most recent fight.

Significance of the Potential Bout and Anticipated Impacts

The possible Jack Della Maddalena Makhachev fight carries the weight of title implications and divisional prestige, with Makhachev aiming to be a champion in two weight classes and Della Maddalena defending his newly won belt. If confirmed, the fight will test whether Makhachev can successfully carry his skills and dominance into welterweight and whether Della Maddalena’s size advantage will prove decisive.

The planned timing and location at Madison Square Garden would only add to the scale and recognition of the bout, potentially drawing significant attention from the MMA community worldwide. Fans and analysts await official confirmation, setting the stage for a major event likely to influence the UFC’s welterweight and lightweight divisions going forward.