Jack Della Maddalena’s head coach, Ben Vickers, has boldly declared that his fighter is poised to disrupt the winning streaks of two formidable UFC opponents. This statement comes amidst a wave of skepticism from the MMA community, including Belal Muhammad, who has expressed doubts about Maddalena’s ground game. The Australian fighter is set to defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in New York City on November 16, 2023.
Despite a remarkable streak of 18 consecutive victories, Maddalena enters the bout as a significant underdog, with betting odds placing him at over $3, while Makhachev is favored at $1.45. Vickers, however, remains confident that Maddalena will defy the odds once again, as he did when he claimed the title from Muhammad in Montreal six months ago.
The Underdog Story
Maddalena’s journey to the top of the welterweight division has been marked by his ability to overcome the odds. His victory over Belal Muhammad, who was on an 11-fight unbeaten run, was a testament to his resilience and skill. Vickers embraces the underdog narrative, stating, “Love it, mate. Make Jack the underdog forever. He’ll just keep on turning up to beat whoever you put in front of him.”
Vickers is not alone in his confidence. Maddalena’s brother and sparring partner, Josh, also believes in the potential for an upset, citing Makhachev’s potential overconfidence as a factor that could play into Maddalena’s hands. “By [late] round one, round two he’ll be saying ‘f*** this is harder than I thought’,” Josh predicted.
Challenges on the Ground
However, not everyone shares this optimism. Former champion Belal Muhammad has pointed out perceived weaknesses in Maddalena’s ground game, suggesting that Makhachev could capitalize on these vulnerabilities. “Jack makes mistakes on the ground … he has moments where he lapses safety,” Muhammad commented. He emphasized the importance of Maddalena maintaining control and avoiding being pinned against the fence, a tactic Makhachev has successfully employed in previous fights.
“Islam is going to see that, and he’s going to exploit it,” Muhammad warned. “If it hits the ground, for Islam, I think his top game is going to be really good.”
Islam Makhachev’s Dominance
Makhachev, who recently vacated his lightweight title to compete in the welterweight division, is on a 15-fight winning streak. Known for his grappling prowess and strategic acumen, Makhachev is expected to test Maddalena’s defensive capabilities. His ability to control opponents on the ground has been a hallmark of his fighting style, making him a formidable opponent for any challenger.
Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov, another contender in the division, is also on an impressive 19-fight winning streak. Although currently sidelined due to injury, Rakhmonov is expected to return to the Octagon early next year, potentially setting up future matchups with the division’s top fighters.
Looking Ahead
As UFC 322 approaches, the anticipation for the Maddalena vs Makhachev showdown continues to build. The fight represents not only a title defense for Maddalena but also an opportunity to solidify his reputation as a top-tier fighter capable of overcoming the odds. For Makhachev, a victory would further cement his status as one of the sport’s elite competitors, capable of dominating across multiple weight classes.
Regardless of the outcome, the bout promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both fighters bringing unique strengths and strategies to the Octagon. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Maddalena can once again defy expectations and emerge victorious against one of the sport’s most respected athletes.
The implications of this fight extend beyond the immediate result, potentially reshaping the landscape of the welterweight division and setting the stage for future high-stakes matchups. As the fighters prepare for battle, the MMA world eagerly awaits what promises to be an unforgettable night at Madison Square Garden.
