Islam Makhachev has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. The former UFC Lightweight Champion and one-time pound-for-pound king is preparing for what could be one of the most significant fights of his career — a clash against the newly crowned UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena. With the fight still without an official date, the war of words outside the Octagon has already begun, and Makhachev has thrown the first verbal strike.

When asked to comment on Della Maddalena’s recent title-winning performance against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Makhachev didn’t hold back. The Dagestani star delivered a stinging assessment: “If that’s his best performance, then it’s too bad.” Those words set the tone for a rivalry that could culminate in one of the most high-profile fights of 2025, as Makhachev attempts to climb the mountain again, this time in the 170-pound division.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Rise to UFC Champion

Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian star who rose from obscurity to become UFC welterweight champion, is one of the hottest names in MMA right now. His title victory over Belal Muhammad was the culmination of an 18-fight win streak, cementing his place among the elite.

Della Maddalena’s style is built on precise striking, relentless pressure, and a killer instinct once he smells blood. His hands are considered some of the sharpest in the division, and his ability to maintain composure under fire has impressed analysts and fans alike. Against Muhammad, he showcased patience, composure, and effective counterstriking to outpoint a durable veteran across five hard rounds.

But while the MMA world applauded the performance, Makhachev was unimpressed.

Makhachev’s Brutal Assessment

Makhachev, who spent years carving out his dominance at lightweight, knows what it takes to truly dominate opponents. His style — suffocating wrestling, relentless ground control, and underrated striking — has broken some of the toughest fighters in the world, including Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski.

To him, Della Maddalena’s performance lacked the kind of finishing instinct that separates champions from legends.

“I watched the fight. He did what he needed to win, but if that’s his best, then it’s too bad. At this level, you have to show more. You cannot just do enough to win the belt. You have to dominate, to prove you’re the best. I don’t think he showed that,” Makhachev said.

The comment wasn’t just a critique of Della Maddalena’s showing — it was also a warning. Makhachev made it clear that he believes his skillset will expose the weaknesses in the Australian’s game.

A Clash of Styles: Grappler vs. Striker

On paper, the potential fight between Makhachev and Della Maddalena is a classic grappler vs. striker matchup.

• Makhachev brings elite-level wrestling honed under the guidance of his late mentor Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and refined alongside teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. His chain wrestling, relentless pressure, and suffocating top control make him one of the most dangerous grapplers in UFC history.

• Della Maddalena, meanwhile, has earned his reputation as a surgical striker. His boxing is clean, technical, and powerful, with a knack for breaking opponents down over the course of a fight.

The fight could very well come down to whether Makhachev can impose his wrestling on a larger opponent at welterweight or whether Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing and showcase his striking against one of the best grapplers in the world.

The Stakes: Pound-for-Pound Supremacy

Beyond the welterweight belt, the matchup carries enormous significance for the pound-for-pound rankings. Currently, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev occupy the top two positions in the discussion of who is the best fighter on the planet.

If Makhachev defeats Della Maddalena and becomes a two-division UFC champion, his case for regaining the pound-for-pound #1 spot will be undeniable. For Della Maddalena, a victory over Makhachev would catapult him from rising star to global superstar, as few could dispute his legitimacy if he manages to derail one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.

Della Maddalena Responds to the Criticism

While Makhachev’s comments were cutting, Della Maddalena has never been the type to get rattled by outside noise. The Australian responded calmly, stating that his performance against Belal Muhammad was exactly what he needed it to be.

“I don’t fight for style points. I fight to win. I respect Belal, he’s tough, he’s durable, and I knew it would take patience to beat him. I did that. Now, if Makhachev thinks I’m not dangerous, then he’ll find out the hard way,” Della Maddalena said in a recent interview.

His measured response reflects the same composure that has made him so successful in the cage. But make no mistake — he’s well aware of the threat Makhachev poses.

The Weight Factor

One of the biggest questions surrounding this fight is whether Makhachev can successfully transition from lightweight to welterweight. Cutting to 155 pounds had long been a grueling process for him, and many believe his natural weight is better suited for 170 pounds.

Still, there’s always the challenge of facing naturally larger fighters. Della Maddalena is not only taller but also naturally heavier, which could make wrestling exchanges more physically taxing for Makhachev. The Dagestani, however, remains confident.

“I’ve trained with welterweights my whole career. Size doesn’t matter when I grab you. I’ve taken down bigger men before, and I’ll do it again,” Makhachev stated confidently.

What the Fans Want

The UFC fanbase has been clamoring for high-stakes fights, and this potential clash delivers exactly that. On one side, you have a dominant ex-champion chasing greatness in a second division. On the other, you have a fresh-faced champion looking to prove he’s the real deal.

Social media is already buzzing with debates. Can Della Maddalena stop the relentless wrestling of Makhachev? Or will Islam’s experience and suffocating pressure smother the Aussie’s striking game?

Regardless of the outcome, it’s a fight that will define the trajectory of both men’s careers.

Conclusion: A Fight with Legacy Implications

Islam Makhachev’s jab at Jack Della Maddalena — “If that’s his best performance, then it’s too bad” — isn’t just trash talk. It’s a glimpse into the mindset of a man who sees himself as destined for two-division greatness. For Della Maddalena, it’s the perfect motivator to prove that his reign as champion isn’t a fluke but the start of a new era at welterweight.

With legacy, pound-for-pound supremacy, and the welterweight title all on the line, this is more than just another UFC fight. It’s a collision of two champions with everything to gain and everything to lose. And if the verbal jabs are anything to go by, the Octagon fireworks will be unmissable.