Jack Della Maddalena poses with his UFC title split with Islam Makhachev celebrating UFC 294 win. Credit: Paul Kane/Zuffa LLC/Chris Unger via Getty Images

Former UFC champion claims Islam Makhachev has ‘everything to lose’ at UFC 322 as he offers shock prediction

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev proves to be one of the most intriguing matchups in the UFC this year.

Last Thursday, UFC boss Dana White finally announced that Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev is officially set to take place at UFC 322 on November 15.

Makhachev shockingly vacated his lightweight title earlier this year after Della Maddalena dethroned Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, opting to finally move up in weight.

And since then, not only fans but pundits and former professionals have been attempting to break down how the fight will play out, with it being an extremely intriguing stylistic matchup.

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Robert Whittaker claims Makhachev has everything to lose as he offers prediction

Ahead of their clash in New York, the Russian’s head coach Khabib Nurmagomedov has credited Della Maddalena as Makhachev’s toughest opponent yet, outlining the dangers that he possesses.

Despite that, several predictions have already come in, with Makhachev being the heavily backed fighter, because of his body of work thus far.

However, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has explained that Makhachev has ‘everything to lose’ and has offered his prediction, which goes against the grain.

“I’m gonna go Jack, I think he has that x-factor, I think he has the gut, the grit, the determination to fight the takedowns, to fight the takedown attacks that Islam is gonna go for and I think in a striking fight straight up, Jack is better,” Whittaker said on the MMArcade Podcast.

“I think he wins in the hands, I think Jack’s got the better game to strike over five rounds than Islam does as well, especially if Islam is trying to go for takedowns during the fight.

“People sleep on Jack’s grappling game and his jiu-jitsu. I don’t think Islam is gonna be as gung-ho with the takedowns as everyone believes because Jack has that level of offense off his back.

“I don’t think either of them is overly superior in any way… Jack has nothing to lose, and Islam’s got everything to lose. He’s the hottest prospect right now in MMA,” Whittaker continued.

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Daniel Cormier was shocked to see Makhachev is the heavy favorite against Della Maddalena

Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier warned Makhachev ahead of his fight against the welterweight champion to ‘work on his wrestling’, which came as a surprise considering the Russian’s skillset.

And now the fight is official, Cormier was shocked to find out that Makhachev has opened up as the wide favorite amongst the oddsmakers.

“Wow, Islam’s -265, Jack +225. That’s a little bigger than I would have expected,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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