Get ready for a showdown that’s already sparking fireworks! Jack Della Maddalena is boldly claiming he can dethrone UFC ‘legend’ Islam Makhachev, and the tension between these two fighters is electric. UFC boss Dana White had to step in and physically separate the pair during a heated face-off at Madison Square Garden, where they’ll headline UFC 322 this Saturday night. But here’s where it gets controversial: Della Maddalena, the undefeated welterweight champion from Australia, is vowing to bring the belt home, while Makhachev, a pound-for-pound great, is aiming to extend his dominance over Australian fighters. And this is the part most people miss—Della Maddalena’s boxing prowess against Makhachev’s relentless ground game could make this fight a tactical masterpiece.
Published on 14 Nov 2025, this bout is more than just a title fight; it’s a clash of styles, cultures, and legacies. Della Maddalena (18-2) is riding an 18-fight win streak and secured the welterweight title in May after a unanimous decision over Belal Muhammad. At 29, he’s the rising star of the UFC, unfazed by the boos he received from a crowd clearly favoring his Dagestani opponent. “Big challenges, big moments—this is why I’m here,” he declared, adding, “I’m bringing this belt back to Australia, no doubt.”
Meanwhile, Makhachev (27-1), a 34-year-old veteran on a 15-win streak, vacated his lightweight belt to move up a weight class. He’s already defeated one Australian fighter, Alexander Volkanovski, twice, and he’s confident he’ll make it 4-0 against Aussies. “Australia’s a great place, but I’ll make it 4-0,” he said with a smile.
But Della Maddalena isn’t backing down. He proudly represents Australia’s fighting culture, pointing out that the country currently boasts two UFC champions. “After this weekend, we’ll still have two,” he asserted. The Australian is known for his striking, while Makhachev’s ground game is feared across the sport. When asked if Della Maddalena is the best boxer in the UFC, Makhachev simply smiled and said, “Jack is one of the best, but I’m a good striker too. Let’s see who’s better.”
Della Maddalena, however, is confident he can neutralize Makhachev’s takedowns for the full 25 minutes, just as he did against Muhammad. “Absolutely,” he told reporters, flashing a wry smile.
This fight isn’t just about the belt—it’s about legacy, national pride, and the future of the sport. Is Della Maddalena truly ready to dethrone a legend, or will Makhachev prove why he’s considered one of the greatest? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!