How do you know a big fight is around the corner? Simple—everyone starts making predictions. UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has now joined that chorus, sharing his thoughts less than a week before the massive showdown between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena for the latter’s welterweight title at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 15.

Makhachev, having vacated his lightweight crown in pursuit of double-champ glory, doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about moving up in weight. In fact, he’s said that making welterweight will be much easier. Maddalena, on the other hand, has already proven he can handle elite-level grapplers, outclassing Belal Muhammad the last time around. So, who better to weigh in on the matchup than one of the best grapplers in the game—Khamzat Chimaev?

Islam Makhachev secures strong backing from ‘Borz’

‘Borz’ was once a dominant force in the welterweight division, and his path to UFC gold seemed inevitable. However, due to long-term health issues, the Chechen fighter eventually moved up to 185 pounds and captured the middleweight title earlier this year. Despite the change, memories of his welterweight days remain fresh in his mind. “I think Islam,” he boldly predicted the fight in a video shared on social media. “Both are good fighters. Islam moving up is interesting to see how he’s gonna do, but I think Islam will win. He’s gonna use his wrestling more in this fight,” he added.

Even if Makhachev leans heavily on his grappling, Maddalena has already shown he can defend against elite wrestlers. While Makhachev may be on another level compared to Belal, there’s no denying Della Maddalena could still surprise the Dagestani pound-for-pound great on fight night. But will it be that easy?

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Makhachev’s elite sambo wrestling will likely overwhelm Maddalena’s solid but outmatched defense. Belal landed just three takedowns. Islam could easily double that. At 170 lbs, Islam Makhachev’s speed and cardio should remain intact, at least according to his own admission. Maddalena thrives on crisp striking at range, but that might not work against Islam. If the 34-year-old has improved his head movement and clinch work, that should neutralize it. However, many veterans like Michael Chandler and Kenny Florian are already predicting a massive upset at UFC 322 with a JDM win.

Still, until both men step inside the Octagon, everything remains speculation. That said, what if ‘JDM’ pulls off the upset?

Jack Della Maddalena eventually wants Khamzat Chimaev

Unlike Makhachev, ‘JDM’ isn’t in a rush to become a double champion, but the prospect of the rare status is intriguing. While some champions look to move quickly, the Australian star wants to make his mark at 170 lbs first. “I would like to be a defending champion,” he told New York Post Sports. “I like to see a champion clean out a lot of the top 10 guys before moving up.” 

And when he’s done, he feels Khamzat Chimaev will be his next target. “Yeah, for sure,” he said when asked about moving up in weight. “I would like to fight Khamzat Chimaev at one point. If my career goes well, it’d be a good challenge.” Those dreams will come crumbling down, or at the very least get delayed, if he loses at UFC 322. 

It appears that even though Jack Della Maddalena wants to fight Khamzat Chimaev eventually, the latter feels ‘JDM’ will be stopped in the weight class he is currently in. Do you agree with him? Or is there an upset in the making?