Team JDM Vows to Get Rid of Islam Makhachev After Outclassing Belal Muhammad: “UFC Hate Dagestani Wrestlers”

Jack Della Maddelena’s BJJ coach reveals his plans to beat Islam Makhachev in a potential welterweight bout.

Team JDM Vows to Get Rid of Islam Makhachev After Outclassing Belal Muhammad: “UFC Hate Dagestani Wrestlers”

Craig Jones believes that with his help, Jack Della Maddelena can beat Islam Makhachev (via Imago/X)

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Following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Islam Makhachev stepped up to uphold Dagestan’s wrestling dominance inside the UFC’s lightweight division. For years, this suffocating grappling style seemed unbeatable. Now, BJJ ace Craig Jones, training UFC welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena, is determined to decode and dismantle the Dagestani fighting system.

Jones is a world-renowned BJJ expert with an eccentric personality, often assisting top-tier fighters with elite grappling strategies and defense. He previously helped JDM craft a solid takedown defense for his bout against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. In a recent Ariel Helwani interview, Jones claimed they could replicate a similar plan to neutralize Islam Makhachev’s wrestling.

UFC hates me, but they also hate Dagestani wrestlers and Jack Della is fighting Islam Makhachev. So they’re in a catch-22. They’re like, ‘F**k, we hate this guy but we hate these wrestlers as well.’ So, I think they want me… I helped them get rid of Belal. Hold on a bit longer guys, we’ll get rid of Islam Makhachev for you.

Craig Jones via The Ariel Helwani Show

Years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov dismissed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by claiming that if Sambo were easy, it would be called BJJ instead. That statement sparked quiet resentment among BJJ experts like Jones, who took it as a challenge to their discipline. Jones has faced Team Khabib twice while cornering Alexander Volkanovski, suffering defeats on both occasions against Makhachev.

In their first clash, Volkanovski surprised many by matching Makhachev’s wrestling, showcasing Craig Jones’ brilliant defensive coaching behind the scenes. The fight was unexpectedly close, proving Jones had already done his job and prepared Volk for Dagestani grappling.

Following that performance, Jones gained fame and also revealed he declined a collaboration opportunity offered by the UFC BJJ program.

They made an offer. I thought it was not a fair offer for the time commitment and what I would have to give away in terms of the exclusivity type of deal there. So, I really did turn it down and I went with FloGrappling instead.

Craig Jones via The Ariel Helwani Show

Since then, Craig Jones has gone viral on social media for his hilarious posts and memes poking fun at Team Khabib. He’s expected to corner Jack Della Madelena when the Aussie defends his welterweight title against Makhachev next time. It remains to be seen if JDM can avenge Volkanovski’s loss and finally crack the Dagestani wrestling code.

Alexander Volkanovski regrets taking Islam Makhachev’s rematch

While the first fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski was competitive, the rematch told a completely different story. Volkanovski stepped in on short notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to injury just 11 days before the scheduled title fight. This time, Makhachev wasted no time and finished Volk in the first round with a devastating headkick knockout that stunned fans.

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski (via X)

After the loss, Volkanovski admitted he was battling mental health struggles and had used fighting as a way to escape reality. Rather than taking a break, ‘The Great’ quickly returned to defend his featherweight title against rising star Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. As many feared, he suffered another knockout, later discussing both defeats in a heartfelt interview with legend Demetrious Johnson.

I feel like I had more of a concussion from the Islam one. Even though I was knocked out longer with Ilia, I had a lot more of the symptoms with the Islam one. I didn’t have head contact [for 90 days], but now you’re easing into it and making sure you don’t get hit. You’re trying to put yourself in a safer position, and you even start camp wrong. I should’ve had the break.

Alexander Volkanovski via Demetrious Johnson YT Channel

After that loss, many fans claimed Volkanovski’s prime was over and doubted his ability to compete at the highest level. However, the Aussie legend made a stunning comeback by reclaiming the vacant featherweight title against rising contender Diego Lopes at UFC 312. His dominant performance proved critics wrong and reminded the world why he’s still one of MMA’s greatest featherweights ever.

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