Coach Tells Jack Della Maddalena Not to Underestimate Islam Makhachev’s Striking For UFC 322 Fight

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title has the attention of the fight clique at the moment. Many consider the Aussie brawler and his size/standup to be key factors that could end the Dagestani’s dominations. Meanwhile, the former longtime reigning UFC 155-pound king Makhachev has opened up as a moderate favorite per the opening odds, given his momentum.

Jack Della Maddalena, who won the belt from him at UFC 315 PPV, said Belal Muhammad is tougher to deal with in a standup than Makhachev. This is because Muhammad switches stances; his coach, Ben Vickers, also said Muhammad has a hardened chin and can fight through better damage.

Per STAT LEADERS | UFC Record Books, “Bully Belal” answered with 132 significant strikes to JDM’s 158 (41%). Muhammad also had 3:21 of control time but lasted on his own, on his feet. Coach Javier Mendez thinks it’s a bad idea for JDM and his coach to count out Makhachev in the striking department, and that they’re in for a surprise at UFC 322.

I hope he goes in believing that, because when he gets in there with Islam, he’s going to find out a whole different story… they’re completely different, and by no means is Islam easy for anybody in the standup. Any MMA fighter that’s a striker is not going to have an easy time with him; I, I’ve… been with this kid going on 11 years, watching…watching him destroy just everybody in the standup. Guys those are much better standup than him, and he still destroys them. Don’t go by what you see…

Javier Mendez to Denis Shkuratov for the ‘Submission Radio’ Show (🎥: @SubmissionRadio on YT)

Dustin Poirier has often been considered the consensus best boxer in UFC, through the eras. Makhachev, then the promotion’s #1 Pound-for-pound, outlanded Poirier 88 Sig. str. to 74. He has been the UFC Record Books’ Top Performers and all-around fighter for years now. Mendez thinks the same would transpire against JDM.

Along with his boxing, Della Maddalena douses good knees and stiff-leg defense/anti-wrestling. Mendez has already agreed on the notion that the Aussie scrapper could be a stiff test to Islam Makhachev’s reign at welterweight. However, unlike Vickers, he won’t undermine the talent but rather raise a better ace in his sleeve for it.

Javier Mendez deters Craig Jones’ help and raises wrestling ace Khabib Nurmagomedov in fight camp

Heading into the May 10 PPV title headliner at Montreal, QC, Canada, Team Jack Della Maddalena knew the challenges of facing the extreme pressure from Muhammad. Hence, grappling ace Craig Jones joined JDM’s camp for it, to deter the cardio and wrestling pressure.

Jones also coached Alexander Volkanovski when the Aussie legend challenged Islam Makhachev for two-division glory. Volk gave him trouble the first time at UFC 284, and Jones has long dumbed down the ‘Combat Sambo’ myth, saying Team Khabib has no submission threats.

Jones will naturally help JDM in this PPV title fight as well. The UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev matchup takes place live from MSG, NY, as part of the promotion’s November PPV slot. Mendez will not underestimate the Aussies’ ground game, unlike Della Maddalena’s coach poking at Islam Makhachev’s striking. With Craig Jones cornering the champ, Mendez believes he has the upper hand with a better counter: Khabib Nurmagomedov.

And having Craig Jones with him, who’s an exceptional world-class grappler that’s a great teacher and has been in the game, he’s been training top-level people, world champions…But on my end, I have the greatest of all time being the grappling ace for us, and that’s Khabib. So, when it comes to grappling, I don’t care because I have the best in my coaching staff.

Javier Mendez further said to the ‘Submission Radio’ Show

Craig Jones working with Jack Della Maddalena ahead of his fight with Belal Muhammad pic.twitter.com/X3Jmj0Krhh

— BJJotter (@JiujitsuOtter) April 21, 2025

At this point everybody has to accept #UFC315

Craig Jones has figured out the answer to Dagestan grappling, it can't be a coincidence at this point

Volkanovski against Makhachev
Jack Della Maddalena against Belal
I guess JDM vs Makhachev will answer it for good

— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) May 11, 2025

King Khabib remains a monster of top-mount domination and submission threat, and is one of the best wrestlers in competition. Even now, in his downtime, ‘The Eagle’ proves tough to clinch with for even LHWs/HWs. From around UFC 302, Mendez has said that Khabib would actively corner Makhachev in all his fights.

ALSO READ: Islam Makhachev Addresses Potential Khamzat Chimaev PPV Title Fight After UFC 319