In the buildup to UFC 322, two former middleweight champions have shared completely different predictions about the welterweight title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. Israel Adesanya believes the Australian champion is ready to shock the world once again, while Dricus du Plessis is firmly backing the dominant former lightweight king.
Jack Della Maddalena will defend his welterweight belt for the first time when he meets Islam Makhachev at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The matchup has captured the attention of fans and fighters alike, especially given Makhachev’s attempt to become a two-division UFC champion. For Adesanya, the deciding factor is simple: pressure, resilience, and the champion’s ability to get back to his feet.
Adesanya praised Della Maddalena’s striking and his performance against Belal Muhammad, saying the key on Saturday night is to repeat that game plan with more urgency. According to him, Makhachev will be forced to shoot early in the fight once he feels the power and accuracy of JDM’s boxing. Adesanya believes that the more the fight stays on the feet, the more dangerous it becomes for Makhachev. He explained that Makhachev may land some jabs and leg kicks, but he doubts the challenger can do significant damage standing.
What Adesanya emphasized most was Della Maddalena’s ability to get back up after being taken down. He believes that if Makhachev cannot hold him down, the fight will eventually shift into a striking battle, and that is where Della Maddalena has a major advantage. For Adesanya, a knockout in the second or third round is not only possible but likely.
On the other hand, Dricus du Plessis offered a more conservative and tactical view. The South African champion respects Della Maddalena’s skills but remains confident that Makhachev is one of the most complete fighters in the world. He highlighted Makhachev’s strength of schedule and his history of beating top contenders across multiple styles. Du Plessis also dismissed the narrative that Della Maddalena will be the naturally bigger fighter, stating that Makhachev looks physically strong and perfectly prepared for 170 pounds.
Although he admits he enjoys Della Maddalena’s personality and fighting style, du Plessis cannot pick against Makhachev. He believes the Dagestani fighter will transition smoothly to welterweight and impose his will with grappling, pressure, and championship-level experience.
Fight night will reveal who is right, but one thing is certain: UFC 322 has captured the imagination of fighters at the very top of the sport.
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