“Islam is Light Work” – Conor McGregor Advises Jack Della Maddalena Ahead of Islam Makhachev Fight at UFC 322

UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena receives a message from Conor McGregor regarding UFC 322 opponent Islam Makhachev.

“Islam is Light Work” – Conor McGregor Advises Jack Della Maddalena Ahead of Islam Makhachev Fight at UFC 322

Jack Della Maddalena gets advice from Conor McGregor for Islam Makhachev fight (via Playoffs, MMA Fighting)

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The buildup to the UFC 322 fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has drawn attention. It is not only because of the competitive implications but also due to the involvement of Conor McGregor, who has publicly inserted himself into the conversation ahead of the bout. The matchup brings together two names positioned at significant points in their respective career trajectories.

Makhachev enters this bout as the former UFC lightweight champion, having vacated the title to move up to 170 pounds. His resume includes victories over former champions and ranked contenders such as Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski. He sustained a run of dominance during his title campaign, which established him as one of the most technically reliable fighters in the organization.

McGregor has expressed his distaste for Makhachev on multiple occasions in the past, most notably after the Dagestani’s title win at UFC 280. The comments undoubtedly stemmed from his infamous rivalry with Makhachev’s mentor and the Irishman’s former rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor recently sent a message to Maddalena through grappling veteran Craig Jones, who then read it out to JDM.

He will be light work at this weight. No finishing capability or positional awareness whatsoever. He is a back pack at best. Nothing to fear. Fear not! Patience, fitness, and ferocity, and he is sparked unconscious inside the 5.

Conor McGregor via X

Makhachev, on the other hand, has not held back on calling out McGregor in the past. The Dagestani has called out McGregor for his assault cases and substance abuse, and believed that the fight with Khabib had changed him for the worse. He also reminded the Irishman of the knockout he faced against Dustin Poirier after McGregor commented on US President Donald Trump‘s meeting with the ‘Eagle’.

Once the face of the UFC, McGregor’s popularity and screen presence have been deteriorating due to his controversies outside the UFC and false promises to return. The Irishman was set to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler and had reignited fans’ hopes to see the ‘Mystic Mac’ back in action. However, McGregor pulled out at the last minute due to injury and has been teasing a return ever since.

The UFC 322 headliner between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is the current talk of the town in the MMA community, as a former dominant champion is set to take on a newly crowned welterweight champion. There have been discussions about how their fight would unfold due to their contrasting styles; however, the answer will only come on November 16th at Madison Square Garden.

Veteran lightweight weighs in on Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena

The approaching matchup between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has been framed within the sport as a stylistic contrast between a dominant grappling specialist and a fighter known primarily for his striking. In parallel with the style narrative, discussions about the size disparity between the two have been repeatedly referenced within MMA circles as a variable expected to influence the contest.

Beneil Dariush talks about Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena
Beneil Dariush talks about Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena (via Fighters Only, Scrappy MMA)

In the build-up to the fight, several active and retired high-level fighters have publicly issued predictions and assessments regarding the outcome, including former champions Robert Whittaker and Michael Bisping. Beneil Dariush became the most recent notable competitor to weigh in, adding his name to the list of athletes who have taken a public stance on the matchup before it occurs.

I feel like the size will make a difference. Cardio-wise, JDM has great cardio. So I just feel like JDM will win.

Beneil Dariush via Helen Yee Sports

The outcome carries consequences beyond the belt itself. Ilia Topuria has openly positioned himself for a scenario where an Islam Makhachev victory aligns with his stated pursuit of becoming a three-division champion in a future matchup. For Jack Della Maddalena, a title defense would establish him as the undisputed champion of the division by converting an earned title claim into an official first defense.

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