Islam Makhachev receives big warning on Jack Della Maddalena’s key skill from UFC legend

Michael Bisping warns Islam Makhachev of Jack Della Maddalena’s boxing

Breaking down the promotion’s flagship return next week in New York, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping is still picking Makhachev to emerge with the title in tow.

However, in quite the compliment, the Brit named current champion Della Maddalena as likely the best out-and-out boxer in the promotion right now, seemingly snubbing the success of Ilia Topuria.

As far as Bisping is concerned, too, Della Maddalena’s striking acumen should be some cause of concern for Makhachev and his team.

“When you look at Jack (Della Maddalena), I think he lost his first two fights, but since then, undefeated, he’s big. He’s a big guy. A true welterweight,” Bisping told MMA Junkie. “He can box, man. His boxing is beautiful and probably the best boxing in all the UFC.”

“His footwork is incredible to watch,” Bisping continued. “It’s the kind of footwork you need to pivot, angle, and stay away from the fence. He’s not going to throw too many kicks either, because of that boxing style, which is going to be key in this match-up.”

Islam Makhachev’s only career loss

In the midst of a staggering 15-fight winning streak at lightweight ahead of his debut at welterweight, Makhachev has come through some massive clashes.

Taking out the likes of Charles Oliveira and the recently retired Dustin Poirier during his title run, Makhachev has yet to be defeated since a rare loss back in 2015.

In just his sophomore Octagon outing, Makhachev was pitted against Brazilian veteran Adriano Martins, suffering a devastating first-round knockout loss after walking into a counter shot.