After Khabib Nurmagomedov retired, Islam Makhachev emerged as the leading figure defending Dagestan’s wrestling supremacy in the UFC lightweight division. Known for his overwhelming grappling, Makhachev’s style has been difficult to overcome. Now, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Craig Jones, who coaches UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, aims to develop a strategy to break down Makhachev’s wrestling dominance, following Della Maddalena’s recent victory over Belal Muhammad.
Craig Jones and Team JDM Target Dagestani Wrestling System
Craig Jones has gained acclaim as a world-class BJJ practitioner and unconventional coach who supports top fighters with advanced grappling tactics. He played a crucial role in helping Jack Della Maddalena build strong takedown defense for his fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Recently, Jones revealed in an interview with Ariel Helwani that they plan to apply a comparable approach against Islam Makhachev’s wrestling style to neutralize his strengths inside the octagon.
“UFC hates me, but they also hate Dagestani wrestlers and Jack Della is fighting Islam Makhachev. So they’re in a catch-22. They’re like, ‘F**k, we hate this guy but we hate these wrestlers as well.’ So, I think they want me… I helped them get rid of Belal. Hold on a bit longer guys, we’ll get rid of Islam Makhachev for you.” —Craig Jones via The Ariel Helwani Show
Jones’s animosity towards the UFC and Dagestani wrestlers underpins his motivation. His previous involvement in Della Maddalena’s fight against Belal Muhammad set a precedent, and he is confident in executing a similar strategy to dismantle Makhachev’s dominance, which has frustrated many within the organization.
The Historical Rivalry Between BJJ and Dagestani Wrestlers
The tension between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Dagestani wrestling traces back years, notably highlighted when Khabib Nurmagomedov dismissed BJJ by saying that if Sambo were easy, it would be called BJJ. This comment fueled a quiet resentment among BJJ practitioners like Jones, who now views their discipline as a challenge to overcome the Dagestani wrestling system. Jones has confronted Team Khabib before, acting as a cornerman for Alexander Volkanovski during matches against Makhachev, though those encounters ended in defeats.
In their initial bout, Volkanovski managed to stifle Makhachev’s wrestling better than expected, a success credited to Jones’s exceptional defensive coaching. The fight was close and demonstrated early signs that Jones’s methods could prepare fighters to challenge the Dagestani grappling style.
Despite this success, Jones refused a collaboration with the UFC’s BJJ program, citing unfavorable terms. This decision led him to affiliate with FloGrappling instead, where he continues to share his expertise.
“They made an offer. I thought it was not a fair offer for the time commitment and what I would have to give away in terms of the exclusivity type of deal there. So, I really did turn it down and I went with FloGrappling instead.” —Craig Jones via The Ariel Helwani Show
Jones’s Role in Social Media and Future UFC Matchups
Since declining UFC’s offer, Craig Jones has become popular on social platforms for his humorous posts and memes targeting Team Khabib. He is expected to corner Jack Della Maddalena in the upcoming welterweight title defense against Islam Makhachev, setting the stage for a crucial test of his fight strategy against the Dagestani athlete. The MMA world is watching closely to see if JDM can avenge Volkanovski’s loss and finally crack the code to stopping Makhachev’s wrestling.
Alexander Volkanovski Reflects on Rematch Defeat to Islam Makhachev
The second fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev was decisive, starkly contrasting their competitive first match. Volkanovski took the rematch on short notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to injury just 11 days before the scheduled title fight. Makhachev wasted no time, knocking out Volkanovski in the first round with a headkick, leaving fans stunned.
Following the loss, Volkanovski revealed he was struggling with mental health issues and had used fighting as a way to cope. Instead of taking time off, he defended his featherweight title against rising contender Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 but suffered another knockout. He later opened up about these setbacks during an interview with UFC legend Demetrious Johnson.
“I feel like I had more of a concussion from the Islam one. Even though I was knocked out longer with Ilia, I had a lot more of the symptoms with the Islam one. I didn’t have head contact [for 90 days], but now you’re easing into it and making sure you don’t get hit. You’re trying to put yourself in a safer position, and you even start camp wrong. I should’ve had the break.” —Alexander Volkanovski via Demetrious Johnson YT Channel
Volkanovski’s Comeback and Ongoing Legacy
Following the two consecutive knockout losses, many doubted if Volkanovski was still at his peak or capable of competing at the sport’s highest level. However, at UFC 312, he delivered a commanding performance by reclaiming the vacant featherweight title from Diego Lopes, reminding critics and fans alike why he remains one of MMA’s elite featherweights.
This resurgence underscores both the physical and mental resilience required at the top tiers of the UFC and highlights how adjustments and recoveries can define a fighter’s career trajectory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Belal Muhammad Islamic?
A. Muhammad follows Islam and actively speaks in favor of Palestine.
Q. Does Belal Muhammad do Ramadan?
A. Belal Muhammad, the UFC welterweight champion, has experienced training during Ramadan. He has done this while preparing for fights, like his bout against Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in May 2023. Muhammad won that five-round match by unanimous decision and became the top contender.