Australian welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is heading into the biggest match of his career with quiet confidence, believing he has the tools to surprise pound-for-pound great Islam Makhachev at UFC 308 in New York’s Madison Square Garden on November 16th.
While many see Makhachev’s elite grappling as the decisive factor in what’s being billed as the match of the year, Della Maddalena has other ideas. When asked what aspect of his game might catch the lightweight kingpin off guard, the Perth native didn’t hesitate:
“I think maybe the grappling. I think in his best mind he would be thinking take me down, hold me down, submit me. So I think the grappling I’ll be able to surprise him.”
The Australian has been working extensively with renowned Craig Jones in preparation for the superfight, describing the experience as transformative.
“He’s obviously an expert grappler and a really good coach,”
Della Maddalena told Main event tv.
“Training with someone like him, I feel like I’ve been getting better every day. Every session I do with him, I feel like I improve.”
The demanding training sessions, which include intense “shark tank” rounds where fresh opponents rotate in continuously, have pushed Della Maddalena to new levels.
Despite moving up from lightweight, Makhachev will carry the favorite’s tag into MSG but that’s exactly where Della Maddalena thrives. Throughout his UFC career, he’s been the underdog in his last three matches, a role he embraces.
“I always like that. I feel like I’ve always got something to prove,”
he explained.
“Even if I was the favorite, I’d still go in there thinking I’ve got everything to prove.”
The 27-year-old’s confidence isn’t unfounded. His recent five-round victory over Belal Muhammad showcased not just his renowned striking ability but also his composure under pressure in championship rounds. While many expected Belal ‘s grappling to overwhelm him, Della Maddalena remained calm and controlled throughout, a trait he identifies as one of his biggest weapons.
“The more calm I am, the better I can see it coming,”
he said of his pocket work.
“I don’t have to move so much. Smaller movements are probably going to be the better option.”
Della Maddalena also draws inspiration from fellow Australian Alex Volkanovski‘s legendary matches with Makhachev, hoping to avenge his compatriot’s losses.
“I definitely want to get it back for him, for Aussies.”
With the right game plan and belief in his underestimated grappling skills, Della Maddalena is ready to surprise the world at Madison Square Garden. As he puts it simply:
“I just see a finish. I see a finish happening.”
