Newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena has thrown down the gauntlet, welcoming a seismic clash with lightweight king Islam Makhachev—and the MMA world is buzzing. Fresh off a gritty five-round victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Maddalena now faces an unexpected challenge: Makhachev’s bold bid to leap divisions and claim a second title. But not everyone is convinced the Dagestani phenom can conquer the 170-pound landscape.
Dan Hardy doubts Islam Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions
Jack Della Maddalena’s unanimous decision win over Muhammad at UFC 315 solidified his status as a force in the welterweight division. The Australian’s precision striking and relentless pace wore down the former champ, earning praise for his tactical brilliance. Yet, his post-fight callout of Makhachev—“Let’s make it happen”—stole headlines, setting the stage for a potential superfight.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight titlist, wasted no time accepting Maddalena’s challenge. The Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé aims to join the rare ranks of UFC dual-division champions, following in the footsteps of legends like Conor McGregor and Amanda Nunes. However, former welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy isn’t sold on the move.
Hardy’s candid take
Hardy, who famously battled Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111, questioned Makhachev’s viability at 170 pounds during an appearance on Submission Radio.
“I don’t think he’d have much success against Maddalena,” Hardy asserted. “Makhachev dominates at lightweight, but welterweight is a different beast.” The British analyst pointed to potential pitfalls, including Islam Makhachev’s stamina and physical adaptation. “Would he look as strong? Or heavier, slower, and prone to gassing out in a five-round fight?”
Maddalena’s edge
Hardy lauded Maddalena’s technical growth, particularly his sharp striking and defensive IQ showcased against Muhammad. “He looked very sharp,” Hardy noted, suggesting the Aussie’s size and skill could overwhelm Makhachev. While acknowledging the lightweight champ’s grappling prowess, Hardy emphasized the challenges of jumping divisions:
“It’s not just about skill—it’s about how your body handles the weight.”
Legacy on the line
For Islam Makhachev, the welterweight gamble offers a chance to cement his all-time greatness. For Maddalena, it’s an opportunity to defend his throne against a pound-for-pound elite. Yet, as Hardy warns,
“This isn’t a lightweight scrap. Maddalena’s power and pace could rewrite the script.”
Makhachev’s quest for a second belt tests the limits of cross-divisional dominance. Meanwhile, Maddalena aims to prove his title reign is no fluke. Whether this clash materializes or not, it underscores the UFC’s era of high-stakes superfights—where ambition often collides with reality.