The highly anticipated welterweight title bout between reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, who will be debuting at 170 pounds, is expected to take place this fall, with UFC officials targeting UFC 322 as the likely event. Although Della Maddalena has expressed a strong desire to defend his belt on home soil in Australia, New York City, specifically Madison Square Garden, currently stands as the leading candidate to host this major clash. The buildup to this fight has intensified, making it one of the most discussed matchups on the UFC calendar.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary former lightweight champion and mentor to Makhachev, has voiced enthusiasm for his protégé but regards Della Maddalena as the toughest rival Islam has ever faced. Highlighting Della Maddalena’s physical size, striking skills, and composed presence inside the Octagon, Khabib emphasized that Makhachev is likely encountering his biggest challenge yet.

“Brother, we don’t see it that way (that Islam is the favorite in the matchup). I don’t see it that way,”

—Khabib Nurmagomedov, former UFC lightweight champion

Israel Adesanya’s Unexpected Prediction for the Title Clash

Despite widespread respect for Islam Makhachev’s dominant lightweight reign, Israel Adesanya offers a strikingly different outlook on the upcoming fight. Speaking alongside Alexander Volkanovski, Adesanya confidently sided with Jack Della Maddalena’s camp, sharing a bold forecast about the outcome.

Makhachev brings to welterweight a remarkable 15-fight winning streak at lightweight, including four successful title defenses, during which he has not only emulated but surpassed the legacies of legends such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and BJ Penn. However, Adesanya remains unconvinced that Makhachev’s grappling and ground game will be sufficient against Della Maddalena.

This fight, Ben Vickers (Della Maddalena’s coach) said he’s gonna knock (Makhachev) out, and I believe him, I honestly believe him because I just think he’s not going to be able to hang with him on the scrambles or when he gets back up. Della Maddalena is just so stoic, he just focuses on his own game and when he does that I really think he’s gonna get him.

—Israel Adesanya, former UFC middleweight champion

Adesanya’s prediction places heavy emphasis on Della Maddalena’s calm and methodical striking ability and his tactical approach during fights, suggesting these qualities make the Australian champion a formidable opponent for Makhachev, whose ground game is generally viewed as his strongest asset.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Rise and UFC 315 Performance Against Belal Muhammad

Jack Della Maddalena’s journey to the welterweight throne has been marked by impressive performances, most notably his victory at UFC 315 where he ended Belal Muhammad’s ten-fight winning streak. Over the course of five rounds, Della Maddalena established dominance, showcasing a blend of defensive wrestling, effective ground control, and sharp boxing.

This victory positioned Della Maddalena as the undisputed leader in the welterweight division and set the stage for the highly anticipated bout against Islam Makhachev, who now aims to prove himself as a two-division champion after conquering the lightweight division.

Comparing Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad: Jack Della Maddalena’s Analysis

Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad share a close bond that extends beyond the UFC cage into a supportive brotherhood fueled by faith and discipline. Their connection, nurtured under Khabib Nurmagomedov’s guidance, involved shared training, meals, and mutual respect. At one point, Makhachev postponed his move up to welterweight out of respect for Muhammad, the then-champion.

However, when Della Maddalena defeated Muhammad at UFC 316, the dynamics of the welterweight division shifted dramatically, opening the door for a potential match between Della Maddalena and Makhachev. Reflecting on that, Della Maddalena offered his thoughts on the subtle differences between the two fighters.

“I think Islam Makhachev is a better version of Belal,” ‘JDM’ said. “I think his striking on the feet is easier than Belal because he’ll stay in one stance. He’s more traditional style, but he’s pound-for-pound No. 1. So, it’s a tough fight, but I guess we’ll just watch his fights again, make a solid game plan, and then just start working at it from pretty much now.”

—Jack Della Maddalena, UFC welterweight champion

Della Maddalena’s assessment underscores both the respect he holds for Makhachev’s skills and the recognition that preparing for such a fighter will require a detailed and rigorous strategy.

What the Fight Means for the Welterweight Division

The looming battle between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena carries significant implications for the UFC’s welterweight hierarchy. A victory for Makhachev would mark an extraordinary feat in MMA history, crowning him a two-division champion—an achievement that highlights his sustained dominance across multiple weight classes.

On the other hand, Della Maddalena’s continued reign would establish his position as one of the division’s premier fighters, solidifying the breakout status he earned with his decisive win over Muhammad. Fans and analysts are left to wonder whether Makhachev can adapt his dominant style to the larger welterweight division and contend with Della Maddalena’s striking proficiency.

This matchup promises a clash of styles and mindsets—Makhachev’s wrestling mastery and grappling expertise versus Della Maddalena’s striking precision and composure. Given the polarized opinions from fighters like Adesanya and Khabib, the fight is poised to be one of the most intense and unpredictable showdowns of the year.

Looking Ahead to UFC 322 and Beyond

As UFC officials finalize details for UFC 322, anticipation continues to build around the venue and timing, with Madison Square Garden emerging as the front-runner for hosting the championship bout. The outcome will undoubtedly influence matchmaking and contender trajectories within the welterweight division for years to come.

For Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, this fight represents more than a title defense or acquisition; it is a defining moment in their careers that could reshape the sport’s landscape. Fans are urged to closely follow the unfolding preparations, as this showdown carries the weight of history and the thrill of high-stakes competition.