For years, Islam Makhachev’s bouts have had a sense of surety. Opponents talk about strategy, but deep down they know how it ends: pulled to the mat, suffocated, and broken. However, as UFC 322 approaches, that sense of inevitability is challenged. Even Makhachev’s camp recognizes something unique in Jack Della Maddalena: a fighter who not only survives pressure but also creates it.

Dagestani dominance has always relied on predictability: unrelenting wrestling, tight control, and discipline sharper than pain. However, Maddalena’s chaos refuses to fit the mold. He’s smooth, patient, and incredibly efficient. For once, the storm is moving toward Makhachev rather than away from him, and Team Khabib is not shying away from admitting it.

Javier Mendez reveals why JDM might be Islam Makhachev’s toughest challenge

Javier Mendez does not use terms like “dangerous” lightly. He’s coached Khabib Nurmagomedov, Cain Velasquez, and Luke Rockhold, fighters who have faced every type of threat. However, when he talks about Jack Della Maddalena, his tone changes from confident to cautious. “Everything about him,” Mendez stated when asked about what makes JDM a real threat.

He further told Submission Radio, “His offense, his defense, his ground game; everything. The guy’s the total package.” It was not hype. It was a rare admission: the Dagestani might have finally met his match. However, Mendez sees an opportunity in the danger. He understands Islam Makhachev can adjust second by second, changing rhythm in the middle of a bout if necessary.

In another interview from a few months ago, the coach explained, “With Islam, we can switch second to second, round to round.” He further added, “Whatever Khabib and I decide, Islam follows. He always has.” The current challenge is not developing a game plan but rather surviving one in which the Dagestani cannot afford mistakes.

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It is worth noting that Khabib Nurmagomedov echoed a similar sentiment earlier this year. He believes Maddalena is Islam’s most difficult challenge, bigger, stronger, and technically sharper than anyone he has faced before. “Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam’s career,” Nurmagomedov said. “Not Charles. Not Ilia. He’s taller, stronger, and just as sharp on the feet. And he scrambles better than people realize.”

That’s what sets UFC 322 apart. For the first time, Islam Makhachev is not the storm. He is the calm before it. Jack Della Maddalena’s quickness and composure will put the Dagestani machine to the ultimate test that many have tried to predict. For Makhachev, greatness may not be achieved by dominance this time, but rather by surviving someone who refuses to break. And while Team Dagestan is not shying away from praising the current champion, even JDM is making sure that Makhachev gets his flowers.

JDM reveals three ways Islam Makhachev is better than Khabib Nurmagomedov

Even as the stakes rise, Jack Della Maddalena refuses to underestimate Islam Makhachev. And this respect isn’t born of politeness; it’s born of recognition. The Dagestani phenom is more than just another grappler; he is a refinement of the entire system. JDM sees it clearly even as he prepares to dismantle it.

Makhachev, in his opinion, is not following in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps but rather surpassing them. When speaking with Israel Adesanya, Jack Della Maddalena did not hold back. “He’s definitely gotten better…the striking for sure,” stated the champion. Islam Makhachev’s precision, patience, and composure under pressure are what JDM believes distinguish him from ‘The Eagle.’

“More weapons, more cleaner,” he said. “He’s not as rushing as Khabib, you know?” The words carried no flattery, only honesty from one technician to another. Della Maddalena, a fighter who thrives under pressure, understands this battle will not be a brawl. It’s chess with blood between the moves.

“You’ve gotta think when he’s stepping up to welterweight, he’ll be in almost better shape,” he stated, knowing that the Dagestani’s discipline and method might improve even further at 170. It’s a rare kind of mutual respect: two rivals analyzing each other like puzzles, knowing that by solving one another, they may unlock greatness.