Wwelterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena revealed his thoughts on lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev, who is expected to move up to the 170-pound division later this year.
“I think Islam Makhachev is a better version of Belal [Muhammad],” Della Maddalena stated. “I think his striking on the feet is more… I even think it’s easier. Easier than Belal because he’s more just… he’ll stay in one stance. He’s more traditional style.”
Despite acknowledging Makhachev’s skills, the champion expressed confidence in his ability to prepare for the challenge. “He’s the pound for pound number one, so it’s a tough fight. But I guess we’ll just watch all his fights again, make a solid game plan, and then just start working at it.”
Della Maddalena plans to begin his preparation immediately. “From pretty much now, I’m going to start working on ways to beat him, different ways to get back to my feet, stuff in the takedown. But I’m pretty confident I can get this one done.”
The welterweight champion also intends to leverage his connections, particularly former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who has faced Makhachev previously. When asked if he would consult with Volkanovski, Della Maddalena responded, “Yeah, 100%. I definitely plan… after the last two fights I’ve spent a bit of time in Wollongong.”
Meanwhile, seventh-ranked welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley has expressed his own interest in facing Makhachev. “Even though me and Islam have never had a connection, he’s going to know a lot about me if we ever get booked to fight,” Buckley said. “The people he has struggled with and the people that have shown a couple of holes in his game — I’m going to be his worst nightmare, not JDM. JDM has a lot of holes that Islam can exploit.”
Buckley, riding a six-bout winning streak, is scheduled to face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at the upcoming UFC Atlanta event. A victory there could position him as a potential title challenger in the near future.
As Makhachev prepares for his potential move up to welterweight, the division’s landscape continues to evolve, with multiple contenders eyeing championship opportunities.
