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Islam Makhachev warned about key factor in Jack Della Maddalena fight in UFC legend’s breakdown

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 9:55 AM ET

Closing in on his first walk at the welterweight limit in just weeks’ time, Islam Makhachev may not have it all his own way at UFC 322, according to an Octagon star.

Ditching his lightweight stomping ground earlier this summer, surging former pound-for-pound number one Islam Makhachev will make a welterweight debut against Jack Della Maddalena in New York City.

And vying for undisputed gold from the get-go, Makhachev’s impending move has already split opinions amongst his Octagon peers.

So much so, in fact, a stalwart lightweight star has claimed Makhachev may come unstuck at 170lbs due to one key factor come fight night.

Islam Makhachev warned about true welterweight size

Making a welterweight walk for the first time in his decorated Octagon tenure, Russian standout Makhachev has been starkly warned about the true size of competition a division higher.

Himself a career welterweight, Australian star Della Maddalena fared more than well against his most recent lightweight competition, finishing division mover Gilbert Burns with a brutal knockout before his title ascension.

And as far as perennial contender Beneil Dariush is concerned, Makhachev will likely struggle with Della Maddalena’s sheer size and cardio base at UFC 322.

“I’m leaning now towards JDM (Jack Della Maddalena),” 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.”

Islam Makhachev receives surprise callout

Still with it all to do against the promotional-perfect Della Maddalena next month, Makhachev has been the subject of a shock callout from an enemy of his past, however.

Front and center during the infamous post-fight brawl at UFC 229 following the lightweight title fight between close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, Makhachev was involved in a notable scuffle.

And one of the victims of that lengthy post-fight brawl has now offered to settle their differences more than seven years later.

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

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