Jack Della Maddalena ‘X-Factor’ Forces UFC Legend to Pick Against Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena is also working alongside BJJ expert Craig Jones to further sharpen his ground game, already considered extremely effective. Jones, driven by his personal rivalry with Team Khabib, is highly motivated to end the long-standing Dagestani dominance. All these compelling storylines merging together make this matchup far more significant than merely fighting for the UFC welterweight title.

UFC veteran talks about Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena betting odds

Islam Makhachev and his team fully understand the challenge Jack Della Maddalena brings to the table at UFC 322. According to his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, JDM represents the single greatest challenge in Makhachev’s entire professional mixed martial arts career. Coach Javier Mendez is fully aware that losing this fight would push Makhachev down the welterweight rankings and damage momentum.

Recently, the former pound-for-pound king posted training clips showing him looking huge, maintaining exceptional conditioning. The fighter had mentioned that he’s weighing around 190 lbs and plans to build muscle mass as the fight camp enters its final stage. Recently, UFC Hall of Famer and Makhachev’s friend, Daniel Cormier, talked about the bout and shared his opinion. 

If you’ve seen videos and pictures of Islam lately, he’s bigger, he’s much bigger….I really think it’s interesting to find out what the world, or the oddsmakers, think of Islam vs Jack. Wow…Islam’s -265, Jack +225. That’s a little bigger than I would have expected. I believe people will probably come in on Jack…’cause at the end of the day, Islam is still the smaller guy going up to the next weight class to fight against a world champion who never looked better than in his last fight.

Daniel Cormier via YouTube 

Makhachev’s decision to challenge for the welterweight title has already created chaos, shaking the entire division and altering plans. Top contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Sean Brady now eagerly await their chance, knowing Makhachev’s victory could delay their deserved title opportunities. However, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Dagestani drops back down, pursuing a lucrative superfight with Ilia Topuira.