Israel Adesanya Senses Serious Threat of Islam Makhachev Getting Finished in Next Fight

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya predicts the upcoming superfight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddelena.

Israel Adesanya Senses Serious Threat of Islam Makhachev Getting Finished in Next Fight

Israel Adesanya believes Jack Della Maddelena can finish Islam Makhachev (via X)

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Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly one of the most dominant fighters in recent years with multiple hard-earned UFC title defenses. The former pound-for-pound ace recently vacated his lightweight championship to move up and try claiming a second UFC gold. Currently, the Dagestani is preparing for his potential title clash with Jack Della Maddelena in the upcoming UFC event.

Makhachev is confident about winning the bout and making history, but there are still a few vocal critics and doubters. In his title win against Belal Muhammad, Della Maddelena impressed fans with his striking and composure, increasing the fight’s competitiveness. On a recent YouTube podcast, Israel Adesanya discussed Makhachev vs. JDM and surprised everyone with his bold prediction.

I think Islam is not gonna be able to handle him with scrambles or when he (Jack) gets back up. I really think Jack is gonna get him, and I can’t wait till that happens. And wherever it is, I’m gonna be there.

Israel Adesanya via his YouTube Channel

Makhachev has been knocked out cold before, and Della Maddelena definitely has the striking skills to recreate that moment. While Makhachev’s striking has improved, his elite-level wrestling still remains his biggest strength and primary weapon inside the octagon.

To counter that threat, Della Maddelena is training with BJJ expert Craig Jones for specific grappling-based strategies and effective takedown defense. Moreover, the striking defense of Makhachev is not that great. After all, Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski pieced him up on the feet during UFC 302 and UFC 284, respectively. As such, the size advantage will somewhat benefit JDM.

Interestingly, Jones has history with Team Khabib and appears personally driven to help end the Dagestani dominance within the UFC ranks. Former lightweight champion and Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, also spoke about the fight and shared his thoughts on JDM. The ‘Eagle’ admitted Della Maddelena is Makhachev’s biggest threat yet, considering his size, power, and striking.

He emphasized that JDM was more dangerous than Charles Oliveira or Ilia Topuria, shutting down the ducking narrative against Makhachev. It would be interesting to see how the veteran trains Makhachev and if his inputs from the Octagon side can help his protege. 

Who’s next for Islam Makhachev after he becomes the welterweight champion?

The UFC welterweight division is currently stacked from top to bottom with elite talent and fierce competition across every ranking spot. Top contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and former champion Kamaru Usman are all hungry to reclaim or capture UFC gold. Each of these fighters brings unique skills and styles, making the title picture one of the most intriguing in recent memory.

Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals who’s next for Islam Makhachev
Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals who’s next for Islam Makhachev (via X)

If Islam Makhachev wins the welterweight title, every top contender is already prepared and eager to test his dominance in battle. Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a viral podcast, shared his opinion on what’s next for Makhachev after he potentially beats Jack Della Maddelena. 

Who’s even left? There’s (Ian) Garry, there’s Shavkat (Rakhmonov), there’s Kamaru (Usman)… Let’s just imagine hypothetically (Islam wins), I think Kamaru might show up, might be an option. It’s either Shavkat or Usman.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Adam Zubayraev 

Ian Garry has an immense respect for Makhachev, but as usual, is ready for the challenge to prove his mettle. Similarly, Usman believes his fight with Makhachev would be a pay-per-view blockbuster despite his close relationship with Team Khabib. Nevertheless, all these discussions will only come after Makhachev manages to beat Della Maddelena next.

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