The UFC world is buzzing as Islam Makhachev, fresh off vacating his lightweight crown, sets his sights on welterweight gold and a shot at two-division supremacy. Standing in his way is Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian phenom who claimed the welterweight title with a hard-fought victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. With Makhachev’s elite grappling and Della Maddalena’s razor-sharp striking, this matchup promises fireworks—but Dustin Poirier believes the fight’s outcome hinges on the opening ten minutes.

Poirier, who’s felt the suffocating pressure of Makhachev’s grappling firsthand, broke down the clash in an explosive MMA Junkie interview. “The first two rounds will tell the story,” Poirier said. “If Makhachev lands those takedowns, it’s his fight. But if Jack stuffs them, his size and boxing could overwhelm Islam.” Poirier warned that Makhachev’s takedown threat forces opponents to second-guess their striking, disrupting rhythm and confidence. “You can’t plant your feet and throw combos when he’s diving for your legs. It changes everything.”

Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, added fuel to the hype on Submission Radio, calling Della Maddalena a tougher challenge than lightweight star Ilia Topuria. “Jack’s size, kicks, and knees make him dangerous everywhere,” Mendez said. “Topuria’s boxing is elite, but JDM’s overall game is a bigger threat.” With Della Maddalena’s proven takedown defense and versatile striking, Makhachev faces a unique test.

Will Makhachev’s grappling dominance prevail, or can Della Maddalena’s striking prowess steal the show? The MMA world is on edge as this blockbuster welterweight clash looms. Stay locked in for the latest updates on this epic showdown!