Dana White Gets Scared on Stage After Leaving Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena Alone

UFC CEO Dana White gets into a close call during the face-off between Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena.

Dana White Gets Scared on Stage After Leaving Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena Alone

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena face-off (via YouTube)

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The stage is set for UFC 322’s main event, featuring Islam Makhachev battling Jack Della Maddalena in an electrifying showdown. With the UFC welterweight title on the line, the fight is considered one of the biggest in 2025. Makhachev and Della Maddalena are undefeated for nearly nine years, creating massive hype and anticipation surrounding this high-stakes matchup.

Last night’s UFC 322 press conference featured both fighters answering fan questions respectfully, with no trash talk exchanged between them. However, the face-off delivered different energy as Makhachev and Maddalena stared intensely without blinking or backing down throughout the moment.

Neither fighter wanted to break eye contact, and both continued their tense standoff even after Dana White briefly stepped away. Recognizing the escalating tension immediately, White rushed back between them to prevent potential violence before the situation spiraled dangerously further.

The CEO has witnessed many terrifying face-offs throughout his career, but this intense staredown genuinely frightened him last night. The crowd erupted with excitement, expecting a violent showdown unfolding under the iconic Madison Square Garden lights during 322.

During the press conference, Makhachev received the loudest cheers from fans, signalling a noticeable shift among American supporters embracing his rising popularity. He thanked everyone attending the event and confidently promised to secure his second championship belt with an unwavering competitive spirit.

Dana White explained that New York’s large Muslim community arrived in massive numbers to passionately support the former Dagestani champion. Makhachev carries a perfect record against Australia after twice defeating Alexander Volkanovski and aims to extend that dominance this weekend.

He believes he still is the champion and enters the matchup against Della Maddalena without any noticeable pressure affecting his mindset. Fully aware of JDM’s dangerous striking abilities, Makhachev trusts his superior wrestling to secure a submission victory and reclaim the championship.

Dana White explains the significance of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev 

Jack Della Maddalena has an impressive eighteen-fight winning streak and has thoroughly dominated nearly every opponent who faced him. He is regarded as one of the best boxers on the UFC roster because of his timing and precise combinations. In his recent bout against Belal Muhammad, he demonstrated excellent takedown defense and secured a unanimous decision victory.

Makahchev vs. JDM
Makahchev vs. JDM(via X)

Following that performance, he immediately received the opportunity to challenge Islam Makhachev at Madison Square Garden. As a welterweight champion, defending his first title against a lightweight might seem easier, but circumstances change dramatically with Makhachev. Dana White emphasized this challenge during a recent interview, noting that a win over Makhachev could be huge.

If Jack wins this weekend, he’s beaten one of the greatest of all time who tried to move up and take his belt. He might feel disrespected today, but you have to look at who he is going against. His whole life will change on Sunday if he beats Islam Makhachev.

Dana White via FOX Sports Australia 

Jack Della Maddalena has been training closely with Alexander Volkanovski, gaining valuable insights from the champion’s experience of fighting Makhachev. He has also worked extensively with Craig Jones, strengthening his grappling skills and improving crucial defensive techniques. According to Makhachev, all this will not help the champion, as seen in the recent Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis fight.

Makhachev will be supported by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who believes this matchup presents his protege with the toughest challenge yet ahead. He has surpassed Nurmagomedov’s lightweight title defense record, and winning the welterweight championship could make him appear more successful overall. As such, the hype for Saturday night remains energetic to say the least. 

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