Following his impressive victory over Belal Muhammad, securing the welterweight title at UFC 315 in Montreal, Jack Della Maddalena is now set for a highly anticipated clash. According to UFC CEO Dana White, Della Maddalena will face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who plans to move up to the 170-pound division for the fight. The date for this cross-divisional title bout is yet to be determined.
Despite Makhachev`s formidable record of 27 wins and just 1 loss, an almost decade-long unbeaten streak, and five consecutive UFC championship victories, Della Maddalena`s coach, Ben Vickers, remains remarkably confident. Vickers not only believes his fighter will win, but he specifically predicts a knockout victory.
Vickers revealed he spent time analyzing footage of Makhachev, particularly his recent fight against Dustin Poirier. While he had previously enjoyed watching Makhachev compete, Vickers now views him through the lens of a potential opponent. “I think Jack will knock him out,” Vickers stated.
He elaborated on this prediction by referencing the Makhachev vs. Poirier fight at UFC 302. Poirier managed to find moments of success against Makhachev before ultimately being overcome by his strong wrestling and submission skills in the fifth round. Vickers believes Della Maddalena can exploit certain weaknesses he observed in Makhachev during that contest.
Vickers highlighted Makhachev`s reaction to taking damage, noting how he appeared to wince and rub his eye after Poirier landed the first jab in the opening round. He speculated that Makhachev might not be accustomed to enduring damage or being pushed in grueling, high-paced fights, also recalling that Makhachev has suffered a knockout loss in the past.
“Jack’s got size on him,” Vickers added, suggesting the fight against Belal Muhammad was perfect preparation for facing Makhachev. He sees vulnerabilities in all fighters and considers Della Maddalena “the complete package,” citing his skills, durability, determination, and toughness. Vickers expressed strong confidence in Della Maddalena`s ability to get the job done.
Given Makhachev`s renowned grappling, Vickers fully expects him to heavily rely on wrestling against Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena showcased significant improvement in his takedown defense against Muhammad, and Vickers plans to ensure his fighter is thoroughly prepared for an even more intense grappling challenge from Makhachev.
However, Vickers was dismissive of Makhachev`s chances of adequately preparing for Della Maddalena`s striking prowess. When asked if he expects immediate takedown attempts from Makhachev, Vickers responded, “One thousand percent.” He argued that even years of dedicated striking practice would not be enough to match Della Maddalena`s level, calling him a “thoroughbred striker” who will “piece him up on the feet,” especially with his size advantage.
Vickers contrasted Makhachev`s striking approach with Belal Muhammad`s, calling Makhachev a “more traditional striker.” He noted that Muhammad`s unconventional movement made him a difficult puzzle, adding pointedly about Makhachev`s striking, “good luck. Work more on your striking.”
While the exact date for this exciting welterweight title fight remains unconfirmed, it is anticipated to take place on a pay-per-view event later in 2025. The potential matchup is generating considerable buzz, particularly after Della Maddalena`s standout performance at UFC 315.
The author of the original report also shared a prediction for the fight, stating confidence in Della Maddalena winning the bout.
