Summary
Della Maddalena attends UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
In the final stretch of preparation to face Islam makhachev in the second-to-last numbered event of the year, Jack Della Maddalena He is prepared to break the Russian's favoritism and shock the MMA world. The Australian defends his welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) for the first time after breaking the Russian's winning streak. Belal Muhammad | And even though he's the underdog in the betting odds, he believes his skills will surprise not only the fans, but especially the Dagestan Clan.
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In an interview with 'FOX Sports Australia', the champion was asked about being underestimated. In a thoughtful manner, JDM considered some points that he believes are being overlooked by the general public.
“He’s probably thinking, in his best-case scenario: ‘Take me down, pin me, and submit me.’ I think in grappling, I’ll be able to surprise him. I believe I have the right techniques for his fighting style—I think that will destabilize him a bit. I can only imagine a stoppage in the fast lane, the crowd going crazy, and me turning the corner and watching him go nuts,” the fighter stated.
Jack Della Maddalena confident he can surprise Islam makhachev in the grappling exchanges
"He's probably, in his best mind, thinking: take me down, hold me down, and submit me. I think in the grappling, I'll be able to surprise him. I believe I've got the right techniques… pic.twitter.com/sTa3Kw1pCC
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 5, 2025
Maddalena is inspired by an old adversary of Makhachev.
Islam makhachev (right) and Alexander Volkanovsky (left) had revenge on UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
As a representative of Australian MMA, Maddalena doesn't hide the influence that other national idols have had on her career both inside and outside the octagon. Among them, one stands out. Alexander Volkanovsky, current featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) and former opponent of Islam makhachev.
“Obviously, Volk is an idol of mine… seeing him win the world title and then reign as one of the greatest champions of all time definitely inspired me. Rob also did that and paved an even bigger path — I’m just following in their footsteps,” he declared.
Makhachev and Volkanovski faced off twice in fights that garnered significant attention from fans and the media. The first confrontation took place on Australian soil, in the Russian's first defense of his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), in February 2023. After 25 intense minutes, Islam emerged victorious by unanimous decision. The Dagestani fighter triumphed again in the rematch eight months later, this time with a head kick.
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