Jorge Masvidal Wants ‘Special’ Reward for JDM if He Beats Islam Makhachev at UFC 322

Jorge Masvidal discusses how UFC 322’s Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena clash could reshape the pound-for-pound rankings.

Jorge Masvidal Wants ‘Special’ Reward for JDM if He Beats Islam Makhachev at UFC 322

Jorge Masvidal claims P4P status for JDM if he beats Islam Makhachev (via MMA Mania, X)

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The UFC pound-for-pound rankings have grown into one of the sport’s most important measures of greatness. Fighters and fans treat it as the ultimate gauge of skill beyond divisions. The list represents legacy and dominance, sparking constant debate among MMA circles. Recently, Jorge Masvidal shared his take on how the rankings might shift after Islam Makhachev faces Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

The upcoming UFC 322 main event has become a significant topic of discussion across the MMA community. Makhachev, the former lightweight king, moves up to welterweight after vacating his 155-pound title. Maddalena, meanwhile, will make his first defense since winning the belt from Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. The bout represents a clash of dominance, momentum, and divisional history.

Masvidal, a veteran and former title challenger, has been absent from the octagon since his loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. Despite his retirement from the UFC in 2023, ‘Gamebred’ continues to influence discussions within the sport. His latest comments on the UFC 322 headliner reflect the fight’s significance for both divisional and pound-for-pound stakes.

Islam is a big guy, he’s cutting a lot of weight to get to 155. He might start doing better at 170. Jack is special. If he beats Islam, Jack becomes the pound-for-pound number 1. I think I’m leaning towards Islam, but I really believe it’s gonna be a tough fight for him.

Jorge Masvidal via Red Corner MMA

Currently, Islam Makhachev holds the #2 spot on the men’s UFC pound-for-pound list. Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena is ranked at #8 on that same list. Former double champion Daniel Cormier has stated that if Makhachev were to defeat Della Maddalena at welterweight, such a result could restore the young Dagestani to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, given the historic implications.

Even before committing to welterweight, Makhachev expressed confidence in beating elite contenders like Masvidal and Colby Covington. Masvidal previously defended Makhachev when Covington questioned the Dagestani’s star power and in-ring dominance. That mutual acknowledgment has since underscored their shared respect, despite never having crossed paths in the cage.

At present, Ilia Topuria sits atop the UFC pound-for-pound rankings following his rapid rise to two-division champion status. However, the outcome of UFC 322 could dramatically alter that hierarchy. Jorge Masvidal’s remarks underscore how both Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena have the potential to redefine modern dominance, making this event one of the most consequential in recent UFC history.

Jorge Masvidal thinks Islam Makhachev is the best ground fighter in the world

Throughout his career, Islam Makhachev has demonstrated an elite blend of wrestling, judo, and submission control, rooted in his Dagestani heritage. His command on the mat has made him one of the sport’s most feared grapplers. From his dominant win over Charles Oliveira to his calculated performance against Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev’s ground game has stood out for its efficiency and precision.

Jorge Masvidal commends Islam Makhachev's wrestling
Jorge Masvidal commends Islam Makhachev’s wrestling (via MMA Fighting, X)

Makhachev’s dominance on the mat has become one of his most defining qualities in modern MMA. His grappling precision and control, as demonstrated under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov, have consistently set him apart from the competition. Now competing across multiple divisions, his ground mastery remains unmatched. Jorge Masvidal praised him as the best ground fighter in the world.

I think Islam is the best guy on the mat, on the ground. Once he hits the mat, nobody has better ground control or submissions — on the ground, he’s a real-life nightmare. Strikes as well, he does damage. I would easily say Islam is the best ground fighter right now, especially after what he did to Charles Oliveira.

Jorge Masvidal via Death Row MMA

Masvidal’s remarks reinforced Makhachev’s image as a well-rounded fighter who seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques. As he prepares for challenges at welterweight, his ground control could be the deciding factor against larger foes. With his mat dominance widely recognized, Islam Makhachev continues to build his reputation as one of the most complete athletes in modern MMA.

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