Islam Makhachev Predicted to ‘Retire’ and ‘Duck’ Welterweight Contender after Jack Della Maddalena Superfight

UFC welterweight calls out Islam Makhachev to fight easier opponent like Jack Della Maddalena and potentially vanish from welterweight division.

Islam Makhachev Predicted to ‘Retire’ and ‘Duck’ Welterweight Contender after Jack Della Maddalena Superfight

Joaquin Buckley questions Islam Makhachev's credentials in the welterweight division (via Imago)

The UFC welterweight division recently saw the emergence of a new champion after Jack Della Maddalena beat Belal Muhammad. Following that, the pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev vacated his lightweight belt and decided to move up a weight class. As he prepares for a potential fight with JDM, other top contenders like Joaquin Buckley have questioned his credentials publicly.

Makhachev had long discussed moving up, initially hoping to become double champ, but the UFC didn’t grant that opportunity. He defended his lightweight title four times, a record that may never be broken again. Recently, on the FULL SEND MMA, Buckley shared his thoughts on Makhachev’s move and made a bold prediction.

Islam hasn’t shown what he can do at 170. With that being said, even with him being pound-for-pound and being a lightweight fighter at 155 and putting in good work. You gotta prove that you can even move up to a weight class like 170. In my heart, I got the best ability to beat somebody like Islam. He couldn’t take me down, he won’t be able to submit me. A person like JDM is easy look for him, stylistically. With that being said, I don’t see Islam staying at 170 and holding that belt long.

Joaquin Buckley via FULL SEND MMA

Buckley is currently on a six-fight win streak, beating opponents like Vicente Luque and Stephen Thompson in brutal fashion. In his last bout, he dismantled former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington with precision and power at UFC Tampa event. Following that dominant performance, ‘New Mansa’ is now seen as a top contender and will face veteran Kamaru Usman next.

Going into the fight at UFC Atlanta, Buckley is the betting favorite against Usman, who’s currently on a three-fight skid. Buckley believes if he beats Usman, he deserves a title shot and is already eager to face the champion next. However, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ plans to bounce back strong and prove he can still beat the younger rising contenders.

Usman has also talked about his interest in facing Makhachev in a mega fight with incredible pay-per-view potential. Despite his good relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov and sharing the same manager as Makhachev, Usman won’t back out. However, all that will depend on whether the Dagestani can beat the newly crowned welterweight champion.

Islam Makhachev’s manager provides a timeline for the fight against Jack Della Maddalena

Following the win at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena immediately accepted the challenge to fight Islam Makhachev without any hesitation. The fighter personally asked UFC CEO Dana White to book the fight in Perth, aiming to perform before his hometown crowd. JDM’s performance against Belal Muhammad impressed fans greatly, and many now believe he can defeat the pound-for-pound king Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena fight will take place this year
Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena fight will take place this year (via X)

Della Maddalena has also planned to train alongside the featherweight champion and UFC veteran Alexander Volkanovski next. Volk has fought Makhachev on two occasions and according to JDM, his insights would be beneficial ahead of the fight. Recently, during an interview with Submission Radio, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, talked about this fight and when it can happen.

Whatever doesn’t matter. October, November, December, but it’s gonna be this year. 100%. I just talked to Islam. He just called me. He is on his way to the gym. He is training two times a day. He is getting ready. I know ‘JDM’ is getting ready, and you’re going to get two high-level athletes competing in the next 3-4 months.

Ali Abdelaziz via Submission Radio

Makhachev has made his reputation as one of the most complete champions of all time with incredible wrestling and ever-developing striking. The fighter has all the tools to finish JDM and, according to his coaches, he is a way bigger threat than Belal Muhammad. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how things turn out in the future.

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