Khabib Nurmagomedov has expressed serious concern about the challenges posed by Jack Della Maddalena ahead of Islam Makhachev’s upcoming UFC fight against the Australian. This bout marks a critical moment as Makhachev vacated his UFC lightweight title earlier this year to pursue a welterweight title shot against Della Maddalena, who recently defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
The original plan was for the fight to take place in Australia, but Makhachev insisted to UFC president Dana White that the event be held at Madison Square Garden. Della Maddalena has indicated the fight is likely to occur toward the end of the year, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Why Khabib Considers Della Maddalena Makhachev’s Most Challenging Opponent
In the lead-up to this eagerly anticipated matchup, Makhachev has received warnings from various UFC personalities about Della Maddalena’s potential to upset the favorite. Even some UFC fans and analysts predict that the Australian could defeat the Russian star. This worry is shared deeply by Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s coach and one of the sport’s most legendary figures.
Despite Makhachev’s status as the current pound-for-pound number one fighter, this bout will be his debut in the welterweight division at 170 pounds, introducing an added element of uncertainty. Khabib has faced some of the toughest fighters in the lighter weight classes, such as Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovski. Still, he believes Della Maddalena presents a distinct and more formidable test in Makhachev’s career.
In these fights, a small mistake can cost you everything. One little slip-up,
Khabib said on the Hustle Show.
No, no, no, brother, we don’t see it that way (that Islam is the favorite in the matchup). I don’t see it that way. I think Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam’s career, that’s my opinion. Not Charles, no one else.
—Khabib Nurmagomedov
None of those other fighters, that is just my personal opinion (not even Ilia Topuria). First of all, Maddalena is twice the size of Ilia, he’s twice as big. Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. His boxing is just as good.
—Khabib Nurmagomedov
And his grappling, he scrambles really well. For me, if we’re preparing Islam for either Ilia or Maddalena, I’d be more concerned – and am more concerned – about Maddalena. Way more,
Khabib added.
Potential Rivals for Makhachev After a Win Over Della Maddalena
Ilia Topuria recently captured the UFC lightweight title, but a fight with Makhachev at welterweight is unlikely in the short term, though it remains a possibility in the future. Should Makhachev overcome Jack Della Maddalena and claim the welterweight crown, new challenges await.
Khabib suggested that Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion who has been less in the spotlight recently, could be the next significant opponent for Makhachev. Other contenders like Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov also remain relevant in the division’s competitive landscape.
Who’s even left? There’s (Ian Machado) Garry, there’s Shavkat (Rakhmonov), there’s Kamaru (Usman). It’s really hard for me to watch Maddalena. He’s a good fighter. But let’s just imagine hypothetically (Islam wins), I think Kamaru might show up, might be an option. It’s either Shavkat or Kamaru,
Khabib revealed.
The Stakes and What This Bout Means for UFC Welterweight Division
The fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena represents more than just a title defense or conquest. It signifies a shift in divisions for Makhachev, who has been dominant at lightweight and is now testing himself against larger, powerful fighters in welterweight. The matchup is expected to showcase different fighting styles and physical attributes, with Della Maddalena’s size and boxing style contrasting against Makhachev’s grappling prowess.
Khabib’s high regard for Della Maddalena underscores the challenge awaiting Makhachev, pointing to the possibility of a closely contested and unpredictable fight. The outcome could reshape the welterweight division’s hierarchy and set the course for future rivalries involving elite fighters like Usman and Rakhmonov.