Morning Report: Jack Della Maddalena coach predicts knockout win over Islam Makhachev

Jack Della Maddalena simply knocked off one fighter excessive up on the pound-for-pound checklist. Now his coach thinks he can knock out the person who sits at No. 1.

Recent of defeating Belal Muhammad to assert the welterweight title this previous Saturday at UFC 315 in Montreal, Della Maddalena is now set to battle Islam Makhachev—vacating the light-weight title to maneuver as much as 170 kilos—at a future date, in line with an announcement from UFC CEO Dana White.

Makhachev sports activities an eye-popping 27-1 file, strung collectively 5 straight UFC championship wins, and has not misplaced a battle in nearly a decade. None of that issues to Della Maddalena coach Ben Vickers, who is just not solely assured his fighter will win, however he’ll accomplish that inside the space.

“I had lots of time in my palms within the final X quantity of hours getting back from Canada and I watched a little bit of footage on Makhachev,” Vickers informed Submission Radio previous to Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev being introduced. “Particularly, the [Dustin] Poirier battle. I’ve by no means watched Makhachev earlier than as a possible opponent. I’ve at all times simply loved him preventing as a result of he’s sensible to observe, however I feel Jack will knock him out.”

Makhachev fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in a bout that noticed “The Diamond” shine at factors within the battle earlier than inevitably succumbing to Makhachev’s sensible wrestling and submission recreation within the fifth spherical. Seeing the success Poirier had, Vickers is aware of Della Maddalena can capitalize on Makhachev’s weaknesses after they battle for Della Maddalena’s welterweight belt.

“The primary jab [Makhachev] took—Poirier solely hit as soon as within the first spherical—and the primary jab he took, when he received the takedown afterwards, he was wincing and rubbing his eye,” Vickers mentioned. “I simply really feel like he’s not used to taking harm. He’s not used to being in robust fights with somebody pushing the tempo. And he’s been knocked out earlier than.

“Jack’s received measurement on him. Belal’s the right warmup battle if you happen to’re going to battle Makhachev. However anybody, I see holes in all of them, and I feel Jack’s the entire package deal. Add to all of his abilities, the chin, after which simply the pure will and grit to get the job carried out. I really feel very assured going into that battle.”

Given how incessantly Makhachev employs his wrestling to manage his fights, Vickers expects him to try to do the identical to Della Maddalena. The Australian slugger confirmed much-improved takedown protection in opposition to Muhammad and Vickers will make certain Della Maddalena is ready for an excellent stronger grappling assault from Makhachev.

On the flip-side, he doubts there’s any quantity of preparation Makhachev can do to cope with Della Maddalena’s hanging.

“One thousand p.c,” Vickers mentioned when requested if he expects Makhachev to instantly go for takedowns in opposition to Della Maddalena. “You may’t study to strike—say he’s been engaged on his hanging for the final 5 years. Jack’s a thoroughbred striker. Whether or not you’ve been engaged on it for 5 years or not, you’re not going to meet up with Jack. He’ll piece you up on the toes, particularly when he’s larger than you.

“Makhachev’s much more of a standard striker than Belal is. Belal’s fairly a tough puzzle to determine as a result of he doesn’t transfer in the identical manner as a boxer would or a kickboxer would essentially, so good luck. Work extra in your hanging.”

Mailbag. Simply how lengthy can Della Maddalena reign atop the welterweight division?

Return. Holly Holm is heading again to the boxing ring.

Ongoing. It’s anyone’s guess the place UFC’s broadcasting rights land, however it doesn’t matter what the deal goes to be enormous.

Alternative. Marlon Vera is OUT of his battle with Mario Bautista at UFC 316. Might the just lately signed Patchy Combine be the one to step in?

Paper. Followers have had a combined response to Ilia Topuria preventing Charles Oliveira for a vacant belt as an alternative of Makhachev.

MMA Combating’s Damon Martin talks to Darren Until.

Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. face off.

UFC 315 Combat Movement.

Michael Bisping shares his tackle Makhachev’s massive transfer.

Israel Adesanya will get actual.

ICYMI. Take heed to MMA Combating’s Alexander Ok. Lee, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon’s on the spot response to Dana White’s slew of battle bulletins. In podcast kind!

The important battle schedule.

Bizarre, I don’t see why a Khamzat Chimaev battle would want a backup.

“008” now after her newest title protection.

OK.

Again quickly.

Apparently somebody (or someones) is on the market paying fighters 88 cents on the greenback to purchase the rights to eventual authorized claims from the latest antirust settlement. Really ghoulish.

Joyful forty sixth birthday! Ceaselessly “The California Child.”

Ikram Aliskerov (16-2) vs. Brunno Ferreira (13-2); UFC 318, July 19

Tatsuro Taira (16-1) vs. Amir Albazi (17-2); UFC Vegas 108, Aug. 2

It’s vital to notice we nonetheless don’t even have a date for Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev, however there are sufficient pay-per-views left in 2025 for it to comfortably discover a spot. Let’s cross our fingers and pray to the MMA Gods that this one stays collectively, as a result of it’s rattling intriguing, particularly after that career-best efficiency from JDM.

I’ll say it now: I’ve received JDM successful it.

And now an unrelated ballot, however a query that simply popped into my head.

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