Islam Makhachev, former UFC lightweight champion, is on the verge of finalizing a high-profile showdown with Jack Della Maddalena scheduled for later this year, centered around a historic event at Madison Square Garden. As Makhachev targets a move up to the welterweight division, he aims to add the welterweight title to his resume, continuing his pursuit of becoming a two-division UFC champion.
Despite facing unexpected challenges in increasing his weight to compete at welterweight, Makhachev remains committed to this step in his career. His last fight took place at UFC 311, where he defended his lightweight belt for the final time. In recent weeks, Makhachev publicly requested that his next bout against Maddalena be held at the iconic Madison Square Garden venue, a demand that negotiations are increasingly accommodating.
Progress in Negotiations Signals November Event at MSG
While attending UFC Abu Dhabi to support fellow Dagestani fighters Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov and Said Nurmagomedov, Makhachev shared an update on talks surrounding the Maddalena fight. Speaking with a local outlet at the Etihad Arena, he expressed optimism about finalizing arrangements for the bout.
“There’s a 90 percent chance the fight happens in November.”
—Islam Makhachev, UFC Lightweight Champion
The UFC has yet to officially announce UFC 322, but it often reserves a November pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden, indicating a likely venue and timing for the bout. Makhachev’s team has also dismissed Maddalena’s earlier preference for hosting the fight in Australia, citing Makhachev’s previous high-profile fight on that continent against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
Jack Della Maddalena recently claimed the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Following this, Makhachev vacated the lightweight division championship, which was subsequently won by Ilia Topuria, further clearing the path for his entry into the welterweight scene.
Makhachev’s Bid to Establish Legacy Beyond Khabib Nurmagomedov
Should Makhachev secure the welterweight championship, he would elevate his status significantly in UFC history, opening strong comparisons with his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib, retired since 2020 with an undefeated 29-0 record, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022 and remains a legendary figure within the sport.
Nurmagomedov, who exited MMA without pursuing a second title, despite rumored negotiations for a superfight against Georges St-Pierre, has consistently declined offers to return. Nevertheless, he is expected to support Makhachev in the upcoming Maddalena fight, although speculation remains about his future as a coach in the years ahead.
Upcoming UFC Matchups and Industry Developments
The buildup to the Makhachev vs. Maddalena fight fits within a bustling UFC calendar, including recent changes such as the cancellation of the Movsar Evloev clash and introduction of a new UFC 319 co-main event featuring a debutant star. Additionally, fighters across divisions continue to advocate for noteworthy matchups, as demonstrated by Bo Nickal calling for a rematch with Reinier de Ridder after UFC Abu Dhabi, and Joshua Van dismissing Asu Almabayev’s recent callout ahead of a potential title opportunity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What rank is Jack Della Maddalena in UFC?
A. He fights in the Welterweight group of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he holds the title of UFC Welterweight Champion. As of July 1, 2025, he is ranked number eight in the UFC’s men’s pound-for-pound list.
Q. What happened to Jack Della Maddalena’s face?
A. Jack Della Maddalena talked about his nose injury and a life-changing agreement. During only his second professional MMA match, he suffered a severe knee blow to his face. This impact broke his nose, leaving it permanently bent. “It’s been facing the wrong way ever since,” he joked during The MMA Hour interview.