Jack Della Maddalena, after winning the UFC welterweight title, plans to consult Alexander Volkanovski for insights on facing Islam Makhachev, who he will defend his title against, as Makhachev aims for championships in two weight classes.
Jack Della Maddalena knows he’s got a challenging task ahead. So why not chat with someone who’s faced Islam Makhachev twice?
Recently, Della Maddalena snagged the UFC welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Now, he’s set to defend it against the soon-to-be former lightweight champ later this year. Alexander Volkanovski, the current featherweight champ, has also faced Makhachev twice. Their first bout at UFC 284 was even named MMA Fighting’s 2023 Fight of the Year.
Volkanovski had more success against Makhachev than most. So, naturally, Della Maddalena’s considering tapping into Volkanovski’s insights before his own showdown with Makhachev.
“Yeah, 100 percent, I definitely plan to,” Della Maddalena told The West Sport. “After the last two fights, I’ve spent a bit of time in Woolongong. So yeah, I think, [it will] probably be the first stop to go to Woolongong, talk to Volk, see what he reckons.”
The outcome of UFC 315 was pivotal for the promotion’s direction, especially for Makhachev’s future at UFC 317 on June 28. If Muhammad had won, Makhachev would’ve defended his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria. Instead, Topuria will now face Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt.
Makhachev now has a shot at becoming a champ in two weight classes since his friend no longer holds the 170-pound title. Della Maddalena sees similarities between Makhachev and Muhammad, with a few exceptions.
“I think Islam is a better version of Belal,” Della Maddalena said. “The striking on the feet, I think it’s easier than Belal because he’s more… he’ll stay in one stance. He’s more [of a] traditional style, but yeah, he’s the pound-for-pound No. 1 so it’s a tough fight.”
“But I guess we will just watch all these fights again, make a solid game plan, then just start working at it. From pretty much now, I’m going to start working on ways to beat him, ways to get back to my feet, stuffing the takedown, but I’m pretty confident I can get this one done.”