Experts Divided as Makhachev Takes on Della Maddalena in High-Stakes Title Fight

On November 16, New York will host UFC 322, headlined by a welterweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena. For the Russian fighter, this will mark his debut in a new weight class — a reason for both excitement and cautious evaluation of his chances.

Yet when weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the two athletes, many observers arrive at one conclusion: Makhachev may well overpower the champion and seize the title in his new division.

As the night of November 16 approaches, Islam Makhachev faces a fresh challenge in his career — his first bout at welterweight, and immediately a title fight. Standing across the Octagon will be the current UFC champion Jack Della Maddalena. At first glance, excessive optimism seems misplaced: a new category always carries real risks. Still, the bookmakers show confidence in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate — the odds stand at 1.28 for Makhachev’s victory versus 4.55 for the Australian.

However, Della Maddalena should not be underestimated. His 18-fight winning streak is impressive, even if his record in the UFC cannot yet match Makhachev’s. Until his last three bouts, his opponents were not of the highest caliber. More importantly, the Australian has long adapted to this weight class and holds a natural size advantage. Makhachev will certainly bulk up too, but the key question remains: will he retain the same speed, sharpness, and danger that defined him at lightweight — especially if the fight goes the full distance?

Fortunately, the Russian is well aware of these potential challenges.

“As a fighter, skill-wise, he’s very strong. I’ve watched him for a long time. He doesn’t have much experience in championship fights, but he fights with composure. I’ve seen bouts where he lost three rounds but still found a way to win at the end. That means he’s ready for anything and has gained valuable experience. He doesn’t have big holes in his game. We know his strengths — he’s good on the feet,”

— Makhachev told Match TV.

Fighters Predict the Outcome

Several well-known UFC athletes have shared their predictions for the upcoming title bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, which headlines UFC 322 in New York this weekend.

Merab Dvalishvili: “It’s a great fight. Islam Makhachev can win his second belt, and Jack Della Maddalena is an excellent fighter, but I lean toward Makhachev.”

Cory Sandhagen: “I don’t know what the odds are, but I’d bet on Jack.”

Kevin Holland: “I’ve never bet against Khabib and his team. So, all my money’s on Islam.”

Jiri Prochazka: “I believe Jack can handle this challenge.”

Khalil Rountree: “Islam will win. He deserves this belt.”

Alexander Rakic: “I think Jack Della Maddalena will defeat Islam.”

The upcoming clash between Makhachev’s precision and Della Maddalena’s grit promises to be one of the most compelling title fights of the year — a battle not only of strength and skill, but of adaptation and endurance in a new frontier for the Russian champion.