UFC - UFC 322
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by Devesh Jaganath | in UFC Predictions
The Ultimate Fighting Championship heads to Madison Square Garden this weekend for a blockbuster UFC 322 card, headlined by Jack Della Maddalena taking on Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title. JDM has a pro record of 18-2-0, while Makhachev is 27-1-0. Let’s get into the match prediction!
Jack Della Maddalena has made a career out of proving doubters wrong, and never was that more evident than when he stunned Belal Muhammad to capture the welterweight strap at UFC 315. Now, the Aussie aims to defend his crown in what many consider to be the toughest first title defence in UFC history.
That’s because, standing in his way is Islam Makhachev - a fighter determined to rewrite history. The Dagestani juggernaut has dismantled everyone in his path at 155 pounds and is now looking to join the exclusive club of simultaneous two-division champions - and silence those who question his place among the all-time greats. Two champions, one belt - let’s get into the key stats!
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Jack Della Maddalena - Islam Makhachev: Form Analysis
Jack Della Maddalena steps back into the Octagon after just six months, now set to try and make his first title defence since beating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 to secure the welterweight belt.
The Australian is 9-0 in the UFC and has beaten the likes of Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland on his way to the top of the 170-pound division. He has not lost a fight since 2016 during his time in EMMA.
For the champ, it feels imperative to keep this fight standing and try to utilise his jab, body shots, and combination striking that ultimately won him the belt against Muhammad. Takedown defence and distance control will also be key to his chances.
Islam Makhachev will be making his welterweight debut in this match!
Indeed, the Dagestani powerhouse has been the dominant force of the lightweight division for a decade and has looked unstoppable since beating Charles Oliveira for the 155-pound title back in 2022.
Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski back-to-back in 2023 and flattened “The Great” with a devilish head-kick in the second match to prove that he has evolved beyond just being a smothering wrestler.
The challenger is likely to look to close the distance and test the champ’s grapple and takedown defence to try and secure top control. However, he will need to be careful with his entries, given Della Maddalena’s brute strength and counter-punching ability.
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Jack Della Maddalena & Islam Makhachev Squad Analysis
On to the tale of the tape: Jack Della Maddalena is on a nine-match win streak in the UFC. He is 5ft 11inches, weighs in at 170 lbs, has a reach of 73”, and fights off a switch stance.
The Aussie’s greatest strength is his striking. He lands 6.84 significant strikes per minute with a 52% accuracy, and absorbs 4.53 per minute with a 64% defence.
In terms of grappling, the champ averages just 0.16 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 11%, and defends takedowns at 69%. Only two of his wins have come via submission.
Islam Makhachev holds the longest win streak in UFC lightweight history!
Over to the challenger: Makhachev is on a 15-match win streak dating back to 2016. He is 5ft 10inches, weighs in at 170 lbs, has a reach of 70”, and fights off a southpaw stance.
The Dagestani lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute with a 58% accuracy, and absorbs just 1.55 per minute with a 61% significant strike defence.
When it comes to grappling, Makhachev is without doubt one of the greatest ever. He averages 3.20 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 53%, and defends takedowns at a monsterous 90%. A total of 13 of his wins have come via submission.
Jack Della Maddalena - Islam Makhachev Key Points
- Jack Della Maddalena has only won two bouts via submission.
- Jack Della Maddalena averages just 0.16 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 11%.
- Islam Makhachev is on a 15-match win streak in the UFC.
- Islam Makhachev has won 13 bouts via submission.
- Islam Makhachev averages 3.20 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 53%.
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Our Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev Prediction
There is no doubting that Jack Della Maddalena is one of the most devastating strikers that the UFC welterweight division has ever seen, but he has never faced an opponent that possesses the arsenal of Islam Makhachev.
Widely considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, Makhachev’s grappling, gas tank, and fight IQ are unmatched. If the lightweight king can avoid eating too many of the champ’s counter punches, we feel he will make history this week by winning the welterweight crown. Our Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev prediction is Islam Makhachev wins.
Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev - Other Interesting Predictions
Islam Makhachev to win by submission
Makhachev has 13 UFC wins via submission. He averages 3.20 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 53%, and defends takedowns at 90%.
Della Maddalena has only two career wins via submission. He averages just 0.16 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 11%, and defends takedowns at 69%.
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