Jack Della Maddalena has received a stark warning that Islam Makhachev will have him choked unconscious within minutes when they face off later this year. The Australian fighter earned his shot at Makhachev by defeating Belal Muhammad in May, setting up a highly anticipated clash for the welterweight title.

Makhachev, the former lightweight champion from Russia, is moving up a division after vacating his lightweight belt following several successful defenses, aiming to capture a second UFC title. Despite acknowledging challenges with gaining weight for this step up, his teammates remain confident in his dominance.

Insights from Makhachev’s Training Partner on the Fight Outcome

Gadzhi Rabadanov, winner of the 2024 PFL Season and finalist for the 2025 World Tournament, has closely observed Islam Makhachev’s preparation for his new weight class. Training alongside Makhachev at the Nurmagomedov gym, Rabadanov is well aware of the Russian’s skill set and envisions a rapid finish when Makhachev pursues the welterweight crown.

I think Islam will choke Jack Della Maddalena,

Rabadanov revealed during an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow ahead of his upcoming title fight with Alfie Davis on August 15.

Islam will wrestle him and choke him, I think. Maybe in the second or third round.

Rabadanov also analyzed the differences between Makhachev’s fight against Belal Muhammad and the forthcoming bout with Della Maddalena:

Stylistically, for Islam and Belal this is a different fight. To me it looked like the mistake for Belal was that he was trying to prove something too much standing up and exchanging. He wanted to prove it too much and that derailed his fight, I think.

Makhachev’s Physical Challenges and Continued Strength in New Division

At the Nurmagomedov gym, fighters often spar across weight categories, allowing them to test their skills against various opponents regardless of size. This environment has given Rabadanov firsthand insight into how Makhachev is adapting to larger foes as he competes in a heavier division.

While Makhachev has struggled with adding bulk, Rabadanov notes his ongoing progress in strength and conditioning:

Maybe he has become a little bit bigger than before, I don’t know,

Rabadanov said, adding,

Maybe he’s working a little bit more on lifting, power, I don’t know what condition he will come in for the fight. But now he is the same guy, he’s not big and after a couple of months I still don’t really know what’s going to happen.

What This Means for the Welterweight Division

The impending showdown between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the welterweight division. Makhachev’s move up in weight after a dominant lightweight reign promises to shake up the title scene, as experts and teammates alike foresee a decisive victory through his signature grappling and submission skills.

For Della Maddalena, the matchup represents both a career-defining opportunity and a stern test against one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can overcome the predicted ground game onslaught or if Makhachev will claim his second belt as anticipated.