Islam Makhachev has faced world champions, elite strikers, world-class grapplers, and some of the toughest athletes in MMA. And while he considers Jack Della Maddalena one of the most dangerous opponents he has ever prepared for, he doesn’t believe the champion’s confidence matches reality.
During UFC 322 fight week, Della Maddalena boldly stated that he is “a better mixed martial artist” than Makhachev and insisted he plans to “break” the challenger inside Madison Square Garden. The comment caught attention immediately, but Makhachev finds it more amusing than threatening.
“I think nobody believes this,” Makhachev said with a laugh at media day. “He is a good boxer. He is a good fighter, but I know I have better skills.”
The fight has been framed as a classic clash of styles. Makhachev brings one of the most complete grappling arsenals in the sport, while Della Maddalena is known for crisp boxing, sharp timing, and an ability to overwhelm opponents with pressure. While the matchup is essential to the narrative, Makhachev made it clear he is not just a grappler with one path to victory.
Throughout his career, Makhachev has proven he can stand with elite strikers and dominate elite grapplers. He also pointed out that he has seen high-level opponents supported by the best teams in the world, referencing Craig Jones’ coaching of Alexander Volkanovski before their two fights.
“He helped Volkanovski a lot,” Makhachev said. “But I beat him twice. I have fought many different fighters. Elite strikers, elite grapplers, everything.”
Della Maddalena brought in Craig Jones specifically to prepare for Belal Muhammad and now for Makhachev. Although he successfully defended most of Muhammad’s takedown attempts earlier this year, Makhachev believes that will not be enough when they collide on Saturday.
Still, he has massive respect for the champion and acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead. When asked where JDM ranks among his toughest opponents, Makhachev put him in elite company.
“Like top three all time,” Makhachev said. “He is one of the best fighters I have fought because he is a UFC champion. That means you are a high-level fighter.”
The odds heavily favor Makhachev, even as he moves up to welterweight for the first time. But he refuses to treat this like a simple test run at 170 pounds. Della Maddalena is dangerous everywhere, and one mistake could cost him the chance to become a two-division champion.
“Not because he is the bigger guy, because he is good,” Makhachev said. “His striking is very good. His wrestling is very good. His grappling is not a surprise. He feels good there. I just know my skill is better.”
On Saturday night, the debate ends. Either Makhachev becomes a double champion, or Della Maddalena solidifies himself as one of the best welterweights of the modern era.
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