For years, critics have doubted Islam Makhachev. They doubted him before Charles Oliveira. They doubted him before Alexander Volkanovski. And once again, ahead of UFC 322, they’re predicting trouble this time at welterweight against Jack Della Maddalena.
Analysts everywhere are talking about:
- “Islam’s chin”
- “JDM’s boxing”
- “The risks of moving to 170”
But when you strip away the noise, the hype, and the recycled talking points, one truth becomes clear:
Stylistically, technically, and mentally this matchup might be one of Islam Makhachev’s easiest fights ever.
The Truth About Islam Makhachev’s “Chin” A Myth That Won’t Die
The narrative fans love to repeat is that Islam has a “weak chin.” The argument always circles back to one moment: his 2015 loss to Adriano Martins a single counter shot during Islam’s early career.
That was ten years ago.
Since then, Islam has taken clean strikes from:
- Charles Oliveira (elite power, knees, uppercuts)
- Alexander Volkanovski (sharp, accurate, fast)
- Arman Tsarukyan (timing-based counters)
- And not once has he been finished.
A weak chin simply does not survive:
- Volkanovski’s speed
- Oliveira’s explosiveness
- Multiple exchanges with ranked UFC contenders
Islam’s defense has evolved. His reaction time is elite. His composure under pressure is championship-level.
The “glass chin” label isn’t real analysis it’s outdated internet mythology.
Jack Della Maddalena: Elite Boxer, But Not a One-Punch Threat
Now let’s break down Jack Della Maddalena.
- He’s a sharp boxer.
- He’s technical.
- He has beautiful combinations and timing.
But one thing he does not have is one-punch knockout power.
JDM wins through:
- Volume
- Accumulation
- Body-to-head layering
- Pressure over time
This matters because Islam does not stand in front of opponents long enough for volume striking to start working. He disrupts rhythm with:
- Level changes
- Feints
- Angled entries
- Footwork resets
Volume boxers suffer when their rhythm breaks and Islam is one of the best rhythm-breakers in MMA.
Against Islam Makhachev:
- Your output drops
- Your combinations shorten
- Your footwork becomes reactive
And when your rhythm collapses, Islam needs only one clean entry.
The Grappling Gap: Islam’s Wrestling Is a Different Universe
Islam’s wrestling isn’t just better it’s measurably superior in every department:
- Chain wrestling
- Timing on entries
- Positional control
- Top pressure
- Submission setups
His Dagestani-style chest pressure drains energy, oxygen, and hope. Islam doesn’t simply take opponents down he immobilizes them.
And here’s the critical point:
Jack Della Maddalena has never faced anyone with Islam Makhachev’s level of wrestling, grappling, or control.
At 170 pounds, Islam becomes even more dangerous:
- No brutal weight cut
- Better cardio
- More power
- Higher durability
- Faster recovery
A fresh, fully hydrated Islam is a terrifying opponent.
The Only Danger Window And Why It’s Smaller Than People Think
There is a danger zone for Islam the first seconds before contact. JDM’s short hooks and body-head transitions an surprise anyone.
But Islam is not reckless.
- He never shoots naked takedowns.
- He never rushes entries.
- He always sets traps with:
- Feints
- Angle shifts
- Distance reads
Even if Islam chooses to strike for a minute or two, he’ll be safe because JDM’s power is cumulative, not instant.
And Islam’s fight IQ is simply too high to allow sustained volume.
Final Verdict: A Stylistic Mismatch in Islam’s Favor
- Ignore the noise.
- Ignore the biases.
- Ignore the myth-based narratives.
- This is not an even matchup.
- This is not a coin flip.
This is a stylistic mismatch one that strongly favors Islam Makhachev.
Jack Della Maddalena can strike.
He is talented, disciplined, and dangerous.
But Islam Makhachev is not just a fighter.
He is a system.
And systems don’t get broken by volume.
They break you piece by piece, minute by minute.
This won’t be easy for JDM.
It will be easy for Islam.