Jack Della Maddalena is rumored to defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev at Madison Square Garden, a matchup that could prove pivotal for Della Maddalena’s career trajectory. Daniel Cormier highlighted the importance of this bout, stressing how a victory over Makhachev could significantly boost Della Maddalena’s status in the MMA world.
Following Makhachev’s decision to vacate the UFC lightweight championship, he has openly aimed to compete for the 170-pound title. After Della Maddalena secured the championship by defeating Belal Muhammad, Makhachev announced his intention to be the next challenger for the belt.
In a recent conversation on the Good Guy / Bad Guy show, Cormier explained the stakes for Della Maddalena in facing Makhachev, given the high regard in which Makhachev is held among fans and fighters alike.
“Islam [Makhachev] has the opportunity and ability to become a two-division UFC champion. But for Jack Della Maddalena, so many hold Islam in such high regard that when he becomes or if he becomes champion, he goes back to number one pound for pound, which is right where he was to begin with. Jack Della beat Belal Muhammad and still hasn’t gotten that rub yet.”
—Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion and Analyst
Cormier further drew parallels between his own career progression and what Della Maddalena could experience from facing a top-tier opponent like Makhachev.
“He needed to beat a guy or fight a guy that elevates you. We talk about this constantly, how standing in the ring with Jon Jones elevated me to the point that when I fought Stipe [Miocic], it could elevate him… I don’t know if Belal did that for Jack. This will be an opportunity for Jack to elevate himself by fighting one of the best fighters in the world.”
—Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion and Analyst
Insights from Israel Adesanya on the Upcoming Bout
Jack Della Maddalena is recognized for his boxing skills, which are showcased through his powerful striking and fluid combinations. Islam Makhachev, by contrast, is known for his dominant wrestling and grappling game, relying heavily on controlling opponents on the ground.
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya recently shared his perspective on the potential fight during a conversation with Alexander Volkanovski. Adesanya expressed confidence in Della Maddalena’s chances against Makhachev, emphasizing the strength of Della Maddalena’s coaching and composure.
“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, and I can’t wait till that happens, and wherever it is, I’m gonna be there.”
—Israel Adesanya, UFC Middleweight Champion
This analysis highlights the contrasting fighting styles and gives a sense of the expected dynamics should the Jack Della Maddalena Makhachev fight materialize.
Significance of the Fight for Both Fighters’ Legacies
The upcoming fight has the potential to reshape the welterweight division and impact legacies. For Makhachev, a win would solidify his ambition of becoming a two-division champion, connecting his dominant lightweight reign with the welterweight scene. For Della Maddalena, defeating a highly respected rival like Makhachev could finally provide the recognition he deserves following his initial title win.
Considering Daniel Cormier’s reflections on how facing elite competitors elevated his career, the bout presents a crucial opportunity for Della Maddalena to climb further in stature. The fight would likely attract significant attention from fans and analysts, positioning the winner as one of the elite fighters in the sport.
As talks continue around the venue and potential scheduling at Madison Square Garden, anticipation builds for what could be a defining moment in MMA’s welterweight division.