In a fight that has captured the imagination of the entire MMA world, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is set to challenge welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena for the title. The highly anticipated bout will headline UFC 322 on November 15 at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York. While Makhachev is seen by many as a pound-for-pound great and is a betting favourite, a growing number of fighters and analysts are making a bold prediction: an upset is on the cards, and the Australian is going to get a knockout.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For Makhachev, this is a chance to join a very exclusive club of two-division UFC champions, a feat that would further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He’s coming into the welterweight division as a dominant force, with a record of outclassing his opponents with his elite wrestling and punishing ground game. For Della Maddalena, a fighter who has earned his way to the top and recently claimed the belt from Belal Muhammad, this is a unique opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as the undisputed king of the 170-pound division by taking out the man many consider to be the best in the world.
Fighters Are Picking the Underdog
The idea of a Della Maddalena knockout is not just a fan fantasy; it’s a sentiment echoed by his peers. Rising welterweight star Ian Machado Garry has been vocal in his support for the Australian champion. Despite his admiration for Makhachev’s immense skill, Garry believes the physical size difference between the two fighters could be the deciding factor. “I just feel like the size difference… Della Maddalena couldn’t physically make 155 [pounds],” Garry stated. He believes this gives the welterweight champion a real chance to go out and “knock Islam out.”
Another fighter who backs this sentiment is former UFC competitor Jake Ellenberger, who has pointed to Della Maddalena’s aggressive style as a key to victory. While Makhachev’s grappling-heavy approach has been a puzzle for his opponents, Della Maddalena’s explosive knockout power and slick boxing skills are a completely different kind of challenge. The fight represents a classic striker versus grappler matchup, but at an elite, championship level, and some believe the striker has the advantage.
Strategic insights from renowned figures in the MMA community have also added weight to the underdog narrative. Analyst Carlos Prates, for instance, argues that while Makhachev is excellent everywhere, his style may not adapt perfectly against Della Maddalena’s relentless pressure. He believes that the Australian’s ability to maintain distance and land powerful strikes will be key to countering Makhachev’s takedown attempts and securing a memorable victory. The consensus from those in the know is that while this is a tough fight, Della Maddalena has a clear path to victory if he can keep it on the feet.
A Tale of Two Champions
Jack Della Maddalena’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. After a tough start to his professional career, he went on a winning streak that saw him dismantle opponents and earn a spot on the UFC roster. He recently defeated Belal Muhammad to capture the welterweight title, proving he has the mental toughness and elite skills to compete at the highest level. His relentless forward pressure, dangerous left hand, and pinpoint accuracy are a terrifying combination for any opponent, and his skillset perfectly sets up an upset against a fighter who is more comfortable on the ground.
Makhachev’s career, meanwhile, has been a masterclass in dominance. As a student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has seamlessly blended wrestling, Sambo, and striking into a suffocating style that has earned him a stellar record. He vacated the lightweight title after defending it successfully, and his move to 170 pounds is a testament to his ambition. You can dive deeper into both fighters’ careers and statistics by checking out their official UFC profiles.
The tension surrounding this fight is palpable. Social media platforms are buzzing with debates between fans who believe Makhachev is simply too dominant and those who see Della Maddalena’s power as a genuine threat. With the welterweight title on the line and two of the sport’s most skilled athletes squaring off, this promises to be an electrifying main event. As the countdown to UFC 322 begins, all eyes are on Madison Square Garden to see if the underdog can prove the prophets right and pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year.
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