UFC President Dana White has cooked up yet another explosive card as the UFC returns to New York City on November 15th in its annual event at Madison Square Garden. Headlining the card is a clash for the UFC Welterweight championship between two of the UFC’s most elite fighters: Islam Makachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena. Makachev recently vacated his lightweight title in pursuit of the welterweight title.
After defeating Belal Muhammad, the former welterweight champion, Maddelena is riding high. 89% of his 200 strikes landed were significant strikes, cementing him as one of the top strikers in the welterweight division. Muhammad, known for his wrestling-focused fighting style, was only able to secure 3 out of 9 takedown attempts, showcasing Maddelena’s ability to effectively counter wrestling. Since making his debut in January 2022, Maddelena has been on a streak, going undefeated 8-0 and finishing 5 out of his 8 opponents via KO, TKO, and submission; he is a threat on all levels.
Standing across from him will be former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, whose last fight ended in a dominant first-round submission victory against Renato Moicano. Makachev defended his title 4 times against the likes of Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski, and Moicano. He’s defeated many of the currently ranked lightweights, including Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. He has finished his last 8 opponents and has a 66.7% finish rate in the UFC. Having been the UFC’s pound-for-pound champion for over 600 days, Islam’s name is no stranger to being considered the best of the best.
Makhachev has dominated fighters with his ground game, which comes through his background in wrestling and mentorship from UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Through the years, Makhachev has improved tremendously in his striking ability to add to his arsenal of weapons for this fight. These combined attributes make him one of the most well-rounded and dangerous fighters in the sport.
Everyone is asking the same big question coming into the fight: How much will Islam Makhachev moving up a weight class impact his fighting style?
Islam no longer has the power advantage coming into this fight compared to his lightweight bouts. Despite this, Islam’s speed, wrestling, and fight IQ will be on display and prove to be enough to outweigh Madedlena’s power advantage.
Although Maddelena had success against Muhammad’s wrestling, it will be a different story with Makachev. Muhammad wasn’t a dual threat on the feet and ground like Islam; therefore, Madedelena will have more to deal with than just takedown attempts and average striking. Islam’s elite striking and grappling will overwhelm the welterweight champ, as proved in Makachev’s match against one of the best boxers in UFC: Dustin Poirier.
Makachev’s striking was effective, as Poirier had to fight cautiously, fearing a takedown attempt from the then lightweight champ. Makhachev was able to outstrike Porier with 147 total landed strikes, compared to Poirier’s 104. Maddalena’s striking will not be enough to stop Makhachev.
Expect nothing less than a war when Makhachev and Maddelena collide at UFC 322. The winner will walk away with a defining victory that could mark a new era in the welterweight division. This fight will not be an easy one for both parties due to their pure fighting styles; yet, Makhachev has what it takes to claim welterweight gold and will prove to fans all over the world why he is the true pound-for-pound king.
