“Dana White Blessed Me” – Fans Go Wild as UFC Boss Announced Islam Makhachev PPV Card

UFC CEO Dana White announces the much-anticipated Madison Square Garden fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddelena.

“Dana White Blessed Me” – Fans Go Wild as UFC Boss Announced Islam Makhachev PPV Card

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddelena to take place at UFC 322 (via X/Imago)

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A few months ago, Islam Makhachev shocked everyone by vacating his lightweight crown, choosing instead to chase welterweight glory. This bold decision was made after Jack Della Maddelena’s victory over Belal Muhammad, where he captured the 170 lbs title. The hype surrounding a potential showdown between these two elite fighters kept growing, and now UFC has officially confirmed the blockbuster.

Following his title vacation, Makhachev was accused of ducking Ilia Topuria and moving up, but the Dagestani didn’t care. For him, winning the second belt and doing something that his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov never did was the first priority. Now, UFC CEO Dana White has announced that the much-anticipated welterweight superfight will take place at UFC 322. 

Other than the main event, the card also features the women’s strawweight title fight between Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko. Both women are among the most successful fighters in history, now colliding in a battle to further cement their legendary legacy. Additionally, former welterweight champion Leon Edwards makes his return, taking on rising contender Carlos Prates in a pivotal bout.

The event is officially scheduled for November 15th at the iconic Madison Square Garden, located in New York City. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Islam Makhachev finally gets his wish to fight at MSG, thanks to Dana White. With more than two months remaining, Makhachev has already started camp, sharing numerous intense training clips across his social media.

Fight fans react to Dana White’s announcement of Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddelena

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Islam Makhachev’s upcoming fight is his noticeable size disadvantage against Jack Della Maddelena. The Dagestani has often struggled with gaining weight efficiently, which has sparked debates on whether he can handle physically larger opponents. However, Makhachev recently revealed he currently weighs 190 pounds and aims to build more muscle mass.

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddelena predictions
Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddelena predictions (via X)

Makhachev enters UFC 322 as the favorite against Della Maddelena, thanks to his undefeated streak and dominant skill set. His wrestling credentials remain among the best in the UFC, and he consistently demonstrates the ability to submit opponents effortlessly. Despite the hype, Makhachev and his team remain cautious, fully acknowledging both the dangerous threat and massive significance of this match.

Coach Javier Mendez emphasized that a potential loss would push Makhachev back down, forcing him to restart within the welterweight rankings. Meanwhile, Khabib Nurmagomedov openly declared Della Maddelena as the most dangerous threat in Makhachev’s entire career. Nevertheless, here are some reactions from the fans following the latest fight announcement.

In recent years, UFC fans frequently complained about lackluster fight cards, but UFC 322 has been warmly welcomed by all. Many believe this event will be an absolute banger, filled with fireworks and matchups fans have been craving for months. Predictions remain divided, with some backing Islam Makhachev’s dominance while others support JDM’s victory at UFC 322.

Della Maddelena remains undefeated in the UFC and has went on an incredible run that fans strongly admire and respect. His sharp striking ability, combined with excellent takedown defense, makes him an extremely difficult opponent for anyone in the welterweight division. However, former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley believes JDM isn’t truly as talented as the hype around him suggests.

He wouldn’t even have been in my crosshairs. I wouldn’t have been looking at him in the scope. He wouldn’t have gone through Carlos (Condit). He definitely wouldn’t have gotten through Robbie (Lawler). ‘Wonderboy’ (Thompson) does better against pure strikers than all of us. I think [Della Maddalena] is a good fighter. I never take away from people, it’s hard to win a championship just because there’s so much pressure. But I can just think of 10 people in my division at that time that was the champion that would have beat him.

Tyron Woodley via Action Network 

JDM is highly motivated to beat Makhachev, aiming to avenge Alexander Volkanovski’s previous loss against the Dagestani. To prepare, he has been training with BJJ expert Craig Jones, sharpening his ground game and improving his submission defense significantly.

It remains to be seen whether this preparation will be effective against Makhachev’s relentless wrestling and suffocating top control dominance.

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