Jack Della Maddalena is full of confidence heading into his first UFC welterweight title defense, but fans are warning that his optimism may backfire when he meets Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
The Australian champion, who claimed the belt by upsetting Belal Muhammad in May, faces the toughest test of his career as former lightweight king Makhachev moves up in weight. Many expect the Dagestani’s elite grappling to be the deciding factor, but Della Maddalena insists he’ll surprise his opponent.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, the 27-year-old said:
“In his mind, he’ll think, ‘take me down, hold me down, and submit me.’ But I think I’ll surprise him in the grappling. The right techniques for his sort of A-game will throw him off a bit. I believe we’ll spend a lot of this fight on the feet.”
Despite training with grappling specialist Craig Jones, fans are skeptical. Many predict that Della Maddalena will be handed a “rude awakening” by Makhachev’s pressure and submission skills.
Online reactions included:
- “This video is going triple platinum when Islam subs JDM in 1.”
- “Islam is going to smoke him.”
- “JDM really in for a rude awakening.”
Others, however, believe the Australian can hold his own:
- “JDM’s grappling is solid. I think it’ll be closer than people think.”
- “This fight is going to be absolute cinema.”
With both fighters entering their primes and boasting vastly different strengths, UFC 322 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated title bouts of the year.
