“Same Way as Belal” – Jack Della Maddalena Makes Bold Prediction About UFC 322 War Against Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena predicts a striking-heavy battle against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, confident in his pace and power.

“Same Way as Belal” – Jack Della Maddalena Makes Bold Prediction About UFC 322 War Against Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena makes Belal Muhammad fight comparison for Islam Makhachev (via Fighters Only, Bloody Elbow)

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The highly anticipated showdown between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena edges closer with each passing day, shaping up to be one of the most significant UFC bouts in recent memory. As the welterweight and lightweight elites prepare to collide at UFC 322, expectations continue to rise around how they will clash. However, Maddalena has already shared his prediction for the contest.

The fight is widely billed as a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup. Makhachev’s elite wrestling and Sambo base face off against Maddalena’s crisp boxing and finishing ability. The stylistic contrast has fueled debate, with some questioning whether Makhachev’s striking can keep up, while others doubt Maddalena’s ability to handle Dagestani pressure and ground dominance.

Belal Muhammad remains a central point of comparison heading into UFC 322. The former welterweight title holder faced Maddalena earlier this year and absorbed heavy damage over five rounds. Makhachev recently compared Muhammad’s power to JDM’s. The welterweight champion, however, reignited discussion on how their clash might unfold.

I can see it goes same way as Belal fight. I’ll be able to get back on my feet every round and sting him on the feet. Damage him. Break him and take him out. It would be a dream to get a finish at MSG.

Jack Della Maddalena via UFC

The Muhammad storyline stems from UFC 315, when Maddalena stepped in on short notice to replace Shavkat Rakhmonov. Despite limited preparation, he produced one of his most composed performances and captured the welterweight crown. That win positioned him for a historic champion-versus-champion fight against Makhachev, who now seeks to claim gold in a second division.

Muhammad and Makhachev share a long-standing professional friendship built on mutual respect. The two have trained together and publicly supported each other throughout their UFC journeys. The former lightweight champion’s praise for Muhammad’s fight IQ has often stood out. However, his welterweight ambitions have not held ‘Bully B’ back from mentioning a potential bout against his teammate.

UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden carries massive implications for both men. For Islam Makhachev, it’s a chance to join the rare group of two-division champions after years of dominance at lightweight. For Jack Della Maddalena, it’s an opportunity to prove his striking prowess against one of the most efficient grapplers in modern MMA and further cement his rapid rise.

Israel Adesanya talks about his feelings regarding Islam Makhachev gaining an immediate shot at Jack Della Maddalena

Islam Makhachev’s dominant run at lightweight cemented his place among the UFC’s pound-for-pound elite. After multiple title defenses, he briefly held the No.1 spot before slipping down due to inactivity in 2025. His upcoming fight against Jack Della Maddalena offers a path to regain that status and achieve his long-time dream of becoming a two-division champion.

Israel Adesanya couldn't pursue acting due to fighting career
Israel Adesanya (via Imago)

Jack Della Maddalena enters UFC 322 seeking both validation and revenge. The Australian has vowed to avenge Makhachev’s wins over ANZAC fighters Alexander Volkanovski and Dan Hooker, giving the matchup added regional stakes. The fight gained further attention when Israel Adesanya questioned the legitimacy of Makhachev receiving an immediate title shot at welterweight.

Even for me, the fact that they gave JDM Islam straightaway, I was thinking is that disrespectful? But then I said nah, I won’t say it’s disrespectful. They just respect Islam and wanna give him the shot for the belt, so he can be like Alex (Pereira), try to go double champ status.

Israel Adesanya via FREESTYLEBENDER

The debate carries a familiar tone, as Adesanya once pursued a similar opportunity himself. In 2021, he challenged Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title without competing at that weight beforehand. Makhachev’s push for double-champion glory now mirrors that ambition, underscoring how legacy drives the sport’s most significant risks and rivalries.

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