"Has Everything to Lose"- Bold Prediction Before UFC 322

One of the most highly touted bouts of the year is now confirmed Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev will headline UFC 322 on November 15 in New York. The fight was officially confirmed by UFC President Dana White last Thursday, and the MMA world has been abuzz with predictions and opinions since.

After his shocking victory against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Della Maddalena is currently the welterweight champion, while Islam Makhachev, the previous lightweight champion, dropped his belt to cut weight for this big-time battle.

Robert Whittaker: “Makhachev Has Everything to Lose”

While most analysts have supported Makhachev because of his undisputed lightweight reign, former UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker has provided a surprising dissenting opinion. On the MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker made it quite evident that he considers Della Maddalena the more threatening man on fight night.

I’m gonna ride with Jack,” replied Whittaker. “He’s got that x-factor the grit, the guts, and the determination to deal with Islam’s takedowns. In a straight-up striking fight, I think Jack is superior.

Whittaker also emphasized that fans and pundits overlook Della Maddalena’s ground game, adding:

“People sleep on Jack’s grappling and jiu-jitsu. I don’t think Islam will shoot for takedowns as lightly as people perceive. Jack has lethal offense off his back.”

From Whittaker, the onus is on Makhachev:

“Jack has nothing to lose. Islam’s got everything to lose. He’s the hottest prospect in MMA today.”

Khabib Dubs Della Maddalena Makhachev’s Hardest Test Yet

Even Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary coach of Makhachev, has said that Jack Della Maddalena poses the biggest threat of Islam’s career so far. With deadly striking, powerful jiu-jitsu, and top-level composure, Jack is likely to test the Dagestani to his limits at UFC 322.

Daniel Cormier Surprised by Betting Odds: Makhachev the Heavy Favorite

Adding to the mystery, ex-UFC double champion Daniel Cormier was left stunned by the betting odds. In his YouTube channel, Cormier commented:

“Wow, Islam’s -265, Jack +225. That’s a little bigger than I would have expected.”

Cormier also warned Makhachev beforehand, cautioning him to work on enhancing his wrestling—a surprising statement considering the Russian’s world-class grappling credentials.

Why Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev Is the Fight to See at UFC 322

The Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena fight is one of the stylistically most interesting contests on UFC 2025. It features Makhachev’s ground-hugging grappling and top control versus Della Maddalena’s accurate striking and undervalued submission skills.

Both fighters are stepping into uncharted waters Makhachev debuting at welterweight and Della Maddalena defending against one of the most dominant fighters of the past decade.