At UFC 322 in New York City Islam Makhachev delivered a masterclass performance to capture the UFC welterweight title defeating newly crowned champ Jack Della Maddalena. From the opening bell Makhachev dominated with precise takedowns punishing calf kicks and relentless top pressure leaving Maddalena struggling to find space to strike. Over five rounds Makhachev’s superior wrestling and control on the ground neutralized every submission attempt and kept Maddalena firmly on the defensive earning a unanimous decision victory (50-45 across the board) and cementing his position among the UFC’s elite pound-for-pound stars.
After the match Makhachev shared a playful challenge with BJJ ace Craig Jones. Speaking at the post-match press conference he said,
“I told him ‘Your Jiu-Jitsu is not working. You should come to Dagestan for 2-3 years.'”
Jones reportedly laughed and told Khabib Nurmagomedov that he would consider the offer.
Khabib reflecting on the match explained,
“We had a plan they didn’t account for. Not going into the guard.”
This approach combined with Makhachev’s precise wrestling and striking left Della Maddalena unable to implement his game plan.
Jones later reacted to these comments on Reddit under the account ohnbelushismom sharing his admiration for the Dagestani duo.
“We both analyzed each other’s games deeply. I’d love to pick his brain,”
Jones wrote. He praised Khabib’s transition from elite competitor to coach noting the depth of his technical insight.
“Octopus nullified the submission threat. He really wanted to submit him, explains the lack of strikes from top. The crux of the game was to avoid half guard at all costs. You don’t earn half guard on bottom in this style”
Jones continued detailing his fascination with their technical approach.
“I just wanna roll with these guys. I’m fascinated by what knowledge I could pick from their thought process. Not to beat them, just for my own love of the game.”
Fans quickly encouraged Jones to take up Makhachev’s offer joking that he had already received the invitation to train in Dagestan for 2-3 years. Despite the playful nature of the challenge Jones’ comments underline the respect and curiosity that elite grapplers maintain for one another .
Despite the invite, the training session unlikely to materialize due to Jones’ history of contributing to the defense of Ukraine.
For Jones training with Khabib and Makhachev is not about competition—it is an opportunity to explore the intellectual depth of martial arts at the highest level.
