A growing number of top‑level fighters are backing Jack Della Maddalena to pull off a major upset against MMA bogeyman Islam Makhachev in their blockbuster welterweight showdown.
As anticipation builds for the headliner at UFC 322 in eight days time, a surprising amount of fighters believe the West Aussie freight train has the goods to topple the lightweight kingpin.
Makhachev, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, enters the bout as the heavy betting favourite, having successfully defended his lightweight belt multiple times.
UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev | SUN 16 NOV 2PM AEDT | Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena puts his welterweight title on the line against Pound for Pound great and former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in a blockbuster night of fights, live from New York City | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
Yet, more than a few fighters are predicting an Aussie ambush at Madison Square Garden.
“I hope JDM absolutely punches his little head in, yeah,” Paddy Pimblett told UFC Europe.
“I hope JDM batters him.
“I think JDM is a much better boxer, and if he can keep it on the feet, then he will absolutely batter him.”
Welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry said he was leaning towards Della Maddalena, too.
“I genuinely believe stylistically Jack Maddalena can win the fight,” Ian Machado Garry told All Out Fighting.
“I can actually see him doing it by knockout as well, and I would lean towards Jack.
“However, it’s gonna be very interesting to see what the pound for pound No.1 looks like when he moves up a bigger weight class.”
Former UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya is intrigued by the showdown and says he’s expecting JDM to successfully defend his welterweight strap.
“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,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“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.’’
Lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush also believes the Dagestani destroyer will get a big surprise in New York.
“I’m leaning now towards JDM,” Dariush told Helen Yee Sports.
“I feel like the size will make the difference. Cardio-wise, JDM has great cardio.
“Maybe I’m wrong, I don’t know — this is all ‘feel’, this is one of the few fights where I can’t really give you a clear answer.
“So, I just think JDM will win it.”
One former legend who sees the threat the Aussie poses is UFC legend, and coach of Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The undefeated former champ said the looming clash is the biggest challenge Makhachev has ever faced.
“Della Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam’s career,” he told Hustle Show.
“That’s my opinion, not Charles [Oliveira], no one else. None of those other fighters. Not even Ilia, if that fight were to happen.”
‘For Volk’: JDM eyes finish in MSG | 01:53
Nurmagomedov is clearly concerned about the physical attributes JDM brings to the table.
“First of all, he’s bigger, stronger, taller, with bigger legs. His boxing is just as good. And in grappling, he scrambles really well,” Khabib explained.
“For me, if I was preparing Islam for either Ilia or Della Maddalena, I’d be more concerned about Della Maddalena.”