Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev: The clash that has UFC fans and fighters talking

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is gearing up for one of its most intriguing storylines of the year, as the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, gears up to test himself in the welterweight division against the champion Jack Della Maddalena. For fans, this clash is more than just a fight, but it’s a collision of two stylistic powerhouses who dominate their respective divisions in entirely different ways.

Makhachev, long regarded as the heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s throne, has carved his name as the most intense grapplers in MMA today, combining Dagestani wrestling with sharp, calculated striking. Della Maddalena, on the other hand, has quickly built a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC with only a singular loss, blending precision boxing with relentless pressure and finishing instincts.

What makes this fight even more fascinating is the timing. Makhachev has dominated the lightweight division, defending his belt against the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira. Many felt there were few left at 155 who could truly challenge him, making the move up to welterweight the natural next step. But it isn’t without risk because the extra size, power, and durability of welterweights have troubled lightweight transplants in the past, and Makhachev is already known for his gruelling weight cuts. Bulking up properly while maintaining his speed and cardio is now his biggest challenge, but he has openly spoken about adjusting his nutrition and training to prepare his body for the heavier frame, and fans are curious to see how this transformation impacts his style.

Jack Della Maddalena, meanwhile, represents the new breed of UFC champion. Rising quickly through the ranks, the Australian striker has dispatched opponents with a calm, surgical style inside the cage. His boxing combinations, coupled with an iron-clad chin and composure under pressure, have made him a fan favourite and a nightmare matchup for anyone daring to trade punches with him. Unlike many welterweights, Della Maddalena thrives in pocket exchanges, where he slips and counters with ruthless efficiency. The question now is whether he can stop Makhachev’s relentless takedowns before they drag him into deep waters on the mat.

This fight is exciting because it’s the ultimate test of styles and legacy. For Makhachev, a victory would mean etching his name alongside the rare few who have conquered two divisions, silencing doubters who question his greatness. For Della Maddalena, beating the dominant lightweight champion would catapult him into global stardom, cementing him as one of the most dangerous pound-for-pound fighters in the world. The UFC thrives on moments like these involving high stakes, stylistic contrast, and the promise of history being made. No matter who walks away with the belt, this fight will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the sport, one that defines two careers and electrifies the MMA community.

Stat Comparison

Islam Makhachev (Lightweight Champion) - Record: 27–1-0 (as of August 2025).

Makhachev enters this bout with a staggering 53.7% takedown accuracy and 90.9% takedown defence, both among the best in lightweight history. He also holds the division’s longest active win streak at 14 fights, with an unprecedented 59.5% significant strike accuracy.

Jack Della Maddalena (Welterweight Champion) - Record: 18–2-0 (as of August 2025)

Della Maddalena has earned his nickname as a knockout artist, with 12 of his 18 wins that have come by KO/TKO, giving him a 67% finish rate. He’s also unbeaten in UFC competition at 8–0, with 6 performance bonuses to showcase his exciting style.

Additional Context Stats

• Only four fighters in UFC history have held belts in two divisions simultaneously (Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo). If Makhachev wins, he would join that exclusive club.
• Historically, lightweights moving up to welterweight (e.g., Rafael dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis) have had mixed results, often struggling with the size and durability difference.
• Della Maddalena has absorbed only 3.85 significant strikes per minute, despite his aggressive, forward-pressure style, showing his ability to evade and counter effectively.