In the formidable shadow of a legend, Islam Makhachev has quietly but confidently carved his own path. Five years after the retirement of his undefeated mentor, Makhachev stands on the precipice of joining an elite fraternity of mixed martial arts stars. His next challenge: a pivotal bout against Jack Della Maddalena this Saturday night in New York, a fight that follows the highly anticipated clash featuring Benoît Saint Denis.
MakhachevS ascent has been nothing short of dominant. As capturing the UFC lightweight championship in October 2022 with a victory over Charles Oliveira, the Dagestani powerhouse has remained undefeated in his title defenses. His latest triumph, a fourth prosperous defense against Renato Moicano in January, paved the way for a bold move up in weight class.
Islam has beaten everyone in this division, literally,
stated his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. He’s on a 15-fight win streak and has finished nine of his last ten opponents. There’s no one who deserves to fight for a second title more than Makhachev.
His notable resume includes victories over notable contenders like Dan Hooker, Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira, underscoring his claim to a shot at a second championship belt.
A New Challenge at Welterweight
The move to the welterweight division (-77 kg) is also a strategic one, addressing the increasing difficulty Makhachev faced in making the lightweight limit (-70 kg). Now, with an additional seven kilograms to work with, he has the opportunity to further enhance his physical prowess and efficiency inside the octagon.
For his welterweight debut, the UFC has presented Makhachev with a formidable opponent in the division’s current champion, Jack Della Maddalena. An accomplished boxer with a strong presence in the welterweight division, Della Maddalena is determined to defend his title but acknowledges the important threat posed by Makhachev.
Islam is much more than a wrestler; he’s a complete fighter, one of the best in MMA,
Della Maddalena commented on the YouTube channel of fellow Australian fighter Israel Adesanya. I think he’s clearly improved in all areas,especially in striking.
A victory for Makhachev would etch his name into an exclusive club: the double UFC champions. In the more than 30-year history of the premier American MMA league, only ten fighters have achieved this remarkable feat. This list includes titans of the sport like Conor McGregor, Georges Saint-Pierre, Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria, and Alex Pereira. Makhachev’s ambition is clear: to join these legends and solidify his own place in mixed martial arts history.
Makhachev vs.Maddalena: A Statistical Showdown
To fully appreciate the magnitude of this clash, let’s delve into a comparative analysis of Islam Makhachev adn Jack Della Maddalena. The following table provides a complete overview of key statistics and performance indicators, offering valuable insights into their respective strengths and potential strategies for the upcoming bout.
| Statistic | Islam Makhachev | Jack Della Maddalena | Comparison Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (as of November 11, 2025) | 34 (Born october 27, 1991) [[1]] |
(Data Not Available) | Makhachev’s experience in combat sports is a key factor. |
| Record | 27-1-0 [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Makhachev has a proven track record of dominance. |
| Height | 5′ 10″ [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Will height give Makhachev an advantage? |
| Weight | 170 lbs (Welterweight) [[3]] | 170 lbs (Welterweight) | Both fighters are competing in the Welterweight division for this fight. |
| Reach | 70″ [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Reach advantage in striking exchanges? |
| Stance | Southpaw [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Southpaw vs. orthodox: A tactical consideration. |
| Significant Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM) | 2.63 [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Striking accuracy and volume assessment. |
| Striking Accuracy (Str. Acc.) | 58% [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Efficiency and impact of strikes. |
| Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM) | 1.55 [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Defensive proficiency and ability to avoid damage. |
| Striking Defence (Str. Def.) | 61% [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Effectiveness in preventing opponents’ strikes. |
| Takedown Average (TD Avg.) | 3.20 [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Takedown proficiency and control tactics. |
| Takedown Accuracy (TD Acc.) | 53% [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Takedown success rate. |
| Takedown Defense (TD Def.) | 90% [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Ability to avoid takedowns. |
| Submission Average (Sub. Avg.) | 1.1 [[3]] | (Data Not Available) | Submission attempts per 15 minutes of fighting. |
Note: Maddalena’s statistics were unavailable at the time of publication but will be updated as soon as they become available.
FAQ: Your Questions about Islam Makhachev Answered
What is Islam Makhachev’s current UFC record?
As of November 11, 2025, Islam Makhachev’s UFC record stands at 27 wins and 1 loss [[3]]. He has a history of dominating performances and has proven his skills against top-tier competition.
When did Islam Makhachev become the UFC Lightweight Champion?
Islam Makhachev captured the UFC lightweight championship on October 21, 2022, after defeating Charles Oliveira [[2]]. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career.
What is Islam Makhachev’s fighting style?
Makhachev is known for his well-rounded fighting style, blending excellent striking with exceptional grappling skills. His strong wrestling background, coupled with his improving striking abilities, makes him a formidable opponent.
Who is islam Makhachev’s coach?
While the provided search results do not specify Makhachev’s coach, he is known to have trained with many of the best fighters in the world.
What is Islam Makhachev’s reach?
Islam Makhachev has a reach of 70 inches [[3]]. This reach provides him with a notable advantage in striking exchanges.
What weight class dose Islam Makhachev compete in?
Islam Makhachev currently competes in the Welterweight division (-77 kg) and previously competed in the Lightweight division (-70 kg). [[1]]
Who is Jack Della Maddalena?
Jack Della Maddalena is a current welterweight contender, setting the stage for an exciting clash against the former champion, Islam Makhachev.
Worth a look
