Yoel Romero recently shared his perspective on the anticipated Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena fight, expected to headline UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden this November. Romero highlighted Della Maddalena’s physical advantages and skill set, characterizing it as a genuine contest for the welterweight title.
Islam Makhachev is set to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound championship in what could become one of the year’s most compelling UFC matchups. The news first surfaced when Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s longtime friend and training partner, revealed the planned fight during a Q&A session in New York earlier this month. Despite this, UFC has yet to confirm the bout officially.
Yoel Romero comments on the skills and strengths of both fighters
In an interview with Islam Babadzhanov of Ushatayka shared by Red Corner <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/”>MMA, Yoel Romero weighed in on the matchup, praising Della Maddalena’s multifaceted skill set. Romero pointed out that the Australian fighter’s size and conditioning give him a notable edge in the welterweight division.
“It’s hard because Maddalena has very good cardio, he’s a very good puncher. His wrestling is not bad either. It’s 50/50…Maddalena is big for 170.”
—Yoel Romero, former UFC middleweight title challenger
Makhachev comes into the fight riding the momentum of a fourth successful lightweight title defense, having submitted Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311 earlier in 2023. Although many anticipated a superfight between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, Makhachev chose to vacate his lightweight title and move up to the welterweight division. This decision followed Della Maddalena’s unanimous decision win over the then-welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, who is also a close friend of Makhachev.
Meanwhile, Yoel Romero has shifted focus outside the UFC, signing with BKFC and scheduling his debut heavyweight bout against Theo Doukas at BKFC 80 on September 12, to be held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Former UFC middleweight highlights challenges Della Maddalena will face against Makhachev
Andrew Sanchez, a former UFC middleweight fighter and American Kickboxing Academy alumnus, shared insights on the potential matchup during an episode of the Bowks Talking Bouts podcast. Sanchez, having trained around Makhachev’s camp, emphasized Makhachev’s formidable wrestling and the difficulty Della Maddalena would encounter trying to neutralize it.
“I trained at AKA. I trained around the Russians, but they’re very kind of like, they have their own group, their own clique. I wasn’t really in with them in that way. I mean, I think [Makhachev’s] an incredible fighter. Yeah, incredible wrestler. I couldn’t imagine Maddalena stopping his offensive wrestling to be honest.”
—Andrew Sanchez, former UFC middleweight fighter
Della Maddalena’s size and well-rounded abilities make this a compelling battle at 170 pounds, but Makhachev’s relentless wrestling and strategic approach will certainly test the Australian’s capacity to defend his position. Both fighters bring high-level skills to the cage, promising a matchup that will engage fans and could set the tone for the future of the welterweight division.
As UFC 322 approaches, the fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is poised to be a defining moment within the welterweight ranks, potentially reshaping the division’s hierarchy. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Makhachev’s transition to 170 pounds fares against Della Maddalena’s impressive size and technique.