Perth, July 25, 2025: Islam Makhachev is set to make a significant move up to the welterweight division as he gears up for what many regard as the most formidable challenge of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career.
After vacating his lightweight crown, Makhachev will compete at 77 kilograms, seeking to capture the UFC welterweight championship against the unbeaten titleholder Jack Della Maddalena.
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Known for his exceptional grappling and precise striking at lightweight, Islam Makhachev now faces an adversary who has rapidly emerged as a formidable fighter in the 77 kg category.
Della Maddalena, an Australian fighter renowned for his strikes, delivers powerful attacks to the head and body of his opponents. This makes him an unpredictable and difficult opponent inside the octagon.
Della Maddalena also has another advantage: training at City Kickboxing alongside elite UFC champions such as Alexander Volkanovsku and Israel Adesanya. Adesanya even voiced confidence in his teammate’s capability to disrupt Makhachev’s grappling advantage!
Meanwhile, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, described the potential match between the two famous fighters as the most demanding test so far in Makhachev’s career. Mendez talked about the necessity of being fully prepared. He noted that Della Maddalena’s strong takedown defense when paired with a varied striking skill set would demand a lot from his player.
In other words, Makhachev would have to go beyond his usual wrestling-based strategy if he hopes to win.
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The much-anticipated match will test Makhachev’s adaptability to a new weight class.
