Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whitaker publicly supported welterweight title holder Jack Della Maddalena in his upcoming superfight towards light-weight king Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in November, citing Della Maddalena’s underrated jiu-jitsu as a possible determinant of Della Maddalena’s underrated jiu-jitsu.
Jack Della Madalena vs. Islam Makachev
Della Maddalena received the UFC welterweight crown in a unanimous resolution victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, then promoted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt on March 26, 2024 by coach Ben Vickers. The April 2025 footage highlighted his development of submission Arsenal.
Islam Makhachev took half within the contest with a stately 27-1 skilled file and 4 profitable light-weight title defenses, boasting a wrestling-based fashion rooted in Dagestani Sambo and influenced by chief Khabib Nurmagomedov. His takedown common is 3.2 per quarter-hour, and his 90% takedown protection price makes him a formidable grappler, indicating a exceptional skill to evolve with the occasional head-kick KO on the left of his overhand.
In an interview with Submission Radio, Whittaker defined intimately why Della Maddalena’s jiu-jitsu can overturn expectations.
“I believe JDM has an opportunity to win that struggle. I believe his jiu-jitsu was completely mendacity down, and I believe that places an enormous spanner on his work for Islam.
Whittaker’s insights arrive in a broader dialogue questioning whether or not Makhachev will take over the light-weight domination at 155 kilos. Teamwork with JDM’s elite BJJ trainers and his success with world-class grapplers problem the final narrative that his path to victory is solely within the trade of strikes.
The match is ready within the headline of UFC 322 at Madison Sq. Backyard, and since opening the light-weight belt, Makhachev is the primary to defend his new welterweight ambition. Stakes are excessive – Mahachev pursues twin division standing, and Della Maddalena goals to solidify his legacy.
