Pros Predict Jack Della Maddalena Vs. Islam Makhachev – ‘He’s A Monster’

UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena faces Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, as pros gave their predictions. 

This marks the first defense of the welterweight crown for JDM, who captured the belt against the Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May, winning a decisive upset via unanimous decision. To prepare for the challenge that Makhachev presents, JDM has enlisted the help of featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski, who has previously faced Makhachev in two lightweight title fights, brings invaluable insight despite his two losses. Makhachev enters the welterweight division with the goal of becoming a two-division UFC champion. He recently vacated his Lightweight title—a belt he had defended—to pursue this opportunity at 170 pounds. Makhachev’s last outing was a victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in May.

Predictions

“Jack or Islam? I think Islam, we will see. Both are good fighters. Islam moving up is interesting to see how he’s gonna do but I think Islam will win, he’s gonna use his wrestling more in this fight,” Chimaev said

“There’s no way he hits as hard as JDM. It’s going to be interesting. I think Islam’s going to get tagged up a couple times, and we’re going to see if he goes to that wrestling pretty quick. But I think JDM’s a monster. I give JDM the slight nod on that one, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Islam is holding that belt,” Chandler said

“I’m going to go [with] Jack. I think Jack has that x-factor. I think he has the guts, the grit, the determination to fight the takedowns. To fight the ground, to fight the takedown attacks that Islam is going to go for. And I think in a striking fight, straight up, Jack is better. I think he wins in the hands,” Robert Whittaker said

“I think Jack [wins], just because of the size advantage, the later it goes. That’s the thing. Being the bigger, stronger guy, it’s effective if you can make the other fighter carry your weight. Jack being the bigger guy, I feel like the longer that the fight goes, Islam’s not used to carrying that same amount of weight into deep waters,” Dan Hooker stated