Jack Della Maddalena, an underdog, is expected to face a tough challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, but he has strong support from notable fighters like Israel Adesanya and Danny Roberts, who believes Maddalena can prevail in all aspects of the fight and potentially finish Makhachev.
Kamaru Usman is advocating for a title shot, expressing interest in fighting the winner of UFC 322 between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, emphasizing his desire to reclaim his place at the top of the welterweight division and highlighting the significance of a potential fight with Makhachev for the UFC's future events.
Dana White indicated that a superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria is a possibility in the future, with both fighters expressing interest, although they must first navigate their upcoming bouts in their respective weight classes. The fight is highly anticipated and considered one of the biggest in MMA, with Khabib Nurmagomedov also endorsing its significance.
Israel Adesanya predicts that Jack Della Maddalena will knock out Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, expecting an early finish and challenging the expectations for the fight, which has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
Renato Moicano suggests that Islam Makhachev is nearing the end of his MMA career, believing he might retire after a couple more fights, especially if he wins his upcoming bout at UFC 322 against Jack Della Maddalena, as he has already achieved significant success and recognition.
UFC fighter Islam Makhachev aims to become a two-division champion at UFC 322, but MMA legend Matt Brown argues that while he is the greatest lightweight of all time, he still needs to achieve more, such as a longer winning streak and success across multiple divisions, to be considered among the sport's all-time greats like Jones, GSP, or Silva.
Islam Makhachev, preparing for UFC 322's welterweight title fight, has shockingly stated that he will retire whenever Khabib Nurmagomedov advises him to do so, highlighting Khabib's influential role in his career and future plans to stay at welterweight.
Dustin Poirier analyzes the UFC 322 main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, highlighting Maddalena's striking and takedown defense as key factors against Makhachev, who is competing at welterweight after a successful lightweight reign. Poirier, familiar with Makhachev from UFC 302, believes the fight will hinge on Maddalena's ability to stay off the mat and utilize his boxing skills, while noting Makhachev's physicality and experience.
Jack Della Maddalena aims to prove that Islam Makhachev, who is moving up to welterweight for the first time, does not belong in the division, and he is eager to challenge the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter to solidify his own legacy, despite being the underdog.
UFC 322 features two major title fights with potential for champions Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili to become double champions, with expert predictions suggesting high but not certain chances for both to win their second titles, and discussions on key fighters and matchups on the card.
UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev predicts Islam Makhachev will win his upcoming welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena, citing Makhachev's wrestling as a key factor. The fight is set for UFC 322, and the outcome could influence future matchups, especially if Della Maddalena or Makhachev win, with potential for Chimaev to face the winner.
Bo Nickal returns to UFC at UFC 322 in New York on Nov. 15, facing Rodolfo Vieira, as part of a card featuring seven fights including title defenses by Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko.
Jack Della Maddalena's coach believes he can finish Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, citing Makhachev's perceived lack of chin compared to Belal Muhammad, and considers Makhachev the GOAT in MMA, making the upcoming fight highly anticipated.
Aaron Pico suffered a knockout loss at UFC 319 but received encouragement from Islam Makhachev, who also faced setbacks early in his UFC career but went on to achieve great success, inspiring Pico to bounce back.
Stephen Thompson expresses frustration over Islam Makhachev's move to welterweight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena, suggesting top contenders like Rakhmonov, Garry, and Usman deserve a shot more, while also noting the potential challenges Makhachev faces against Della Maddalena due to size and skill differences.