Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has publicly endorsed reigning welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena in his forthcoming superfight towards light-weight king Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in November, citing Della Maddalena’s underappreciated jiu-jitsu because the potential deciding issue.
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Della Maddalena earned the UFC welterweight crown with a unanimous choice victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 and subsequently was promoted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt by coach Ben Vickers on March 26, 2024. Past his celebrated placing, Della Maddalena refined his floor sport working alongside specialist Craig Jones, even submitting Jones with a D’Arce choke throughout camp footage in April 2025, emphasising his advancing submission arsenal.
Islam Makhachev enters the competition with an imposing 27-1 skilled file and 4 profitable light-weight title defenses, boasting a wrestling-based fashion rooted in Dagestani Sambo and influenced by his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. His takedown common of three.2 per quarter-hour and 90% takedown protection charge render him a formidable grappler, whereas his overhand left and occasional head-kick KO illustrate evolving placing capability.
In an interview with Submission Radio, Whittaker elaborated on why Della Maddalena’s jiu-jitsu may flip expectations:
“I believe JDM has a great likelihood of profitable that battle. I believe his jiu-jitsu is totally slept on. And I believe that’s going to place an enormous spanner within the works for Islam. And if it turns into a slugfest, assuming JDM can work out the kicks and shut that kicking vary, yeah, I believe he beats him within the get up. So, yeah.”
Whittaker’s insights arrive amid a broader dialogue questioning whether or not Makhachev will carry over his light-weight dominance at 155 kilos into the welterweight division, the place opponents naturally stroll heavier and should take up his grappling assaults extra successfully. JDM’s teamwork with elite BJJ trainers and demonstrated success towards world-class grapplers problem the prevailing narrative that his pathway to victory lies solely in placing exchanges.
The bout is about to headline UFC 322 at Madison Sq. Backyard, marking Makhachev’s first protection of his new welterweight ambitions since vacating his light-weight belt. With the stakes excessive – Makhachev pursuing dual-division standing and Della Maddalena aiming to solidify his legacy – Whittaker’s endorsement amplifies the intrigue surrounding a conflict of contrasting grappling pedigrees and tactical blueprints.
