Former champion disagrees with Islam Makhachev and retracts his prediction about UFC 322.

Islam makhachev gave up the UFC lightweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Even though he is the favorite in most betting houses for the duel with Jack Della Maddalena next Saturday (15), Islam makhachev It is far from being a unanimous opinion among sports experts. Henry Cejudo, for example, went back on his prediction about the main fight of UFC 322 after some statements from the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) drew his attention in a negative way.

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Originally, the former flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) and bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) champion was one of those who believed in a victory for the Russian. However, he admitted during the latest edition of the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast that he became worried after hearing Makhachev talk about the possibility of exchanging blows standing up with the Australian, a boxing specialist.

I was going to bet on Islam makhachev"But it's not as simple as I thought. I'll definitely reconsider. There's something that scares me about this fight. There's something Islam said that made me think: 'If grappling doesn't work, let's just exchange blows.' Do you really want to exchange blows with a guy who attacks the body and throws knees to the groin? The only way Islam can win this fight is through grappling," said Triplo C during the conversation with... Kamaru Usman.

Henry Cejudo shows concern over Islam makhachev's statement, “If wrestling doesn't work, I'm gonna strike with Jack.”

I was going with Islam makhachev, but it's not as simple as I thought. I will definitely backtrack on that. There's something that scares me about this… pic.twitter.com/fLaSEB0zPD

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 13, 2025

A world combat sambo champion in 2016 and with 13 submission victories throughout his MMA career, Makhachev is one of the best grappling athletes in the UFC today. In contrast, Maddalena is known for his striking skills, with 12 knockout wins and only two by submission.

Makhachev backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/islam_makhachev

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