Islam Makhachev Vs JDM: Superfight Rumors Heat Up For Welterweight Showdown
Pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev is targeting a historic double-champion run, with reports pointing toward a massive welterweight clash against Australian power-puncher Jack Della Maddalena (JDM). As UFC matchmakers evaluate potential main events for late 2026, this high-stakes matchup presents one of the most intriguing stylistic battles in recent combat sports history.
| Spec / Feature | Islam Makhachev | Jack Della Maddalena (JDM) |
|---|---|---|
| Division | Lightweight / Welterweight | Welterweight |
| Fighting Style | Combat Sambo / Grappling | Boxing / Defensive Scrambling |
| Home Country | Russia | Australia |
| Key Win Method | Submissions / Mat Control | Knockouts / Body Boxing |
| Current Target | Two-Division Champion Status | Welterweight Title Dominance |
Clash of Styles: Sambo Dominance Meets Elite Australian Boxing
The potential booking of Islam Makhachev vs JDM represents a classic stylistic collision between elite Dagestani wrestling and world-class Australian boxing. Makhachev has swept through the lightweight division with relentless chain wrestling, stifling top-game control, and increasingly sharp striking developed under coach Javier Mendez.
Standing in his way at 170 pounds is Perth's Jack Della Maddalena, whose meteoric rise through the welterweight ranks stems from lethal body boxing, composure under pressure, and highly effective anti-wrestling. JDM's proven ability to scramble back to his feet makes him a uniquely dangerous puzzle for any grappling-heavy game plan.
Key factors defining this matchup include:
- Takedown Defense vs. Chain Wrestling: Can JDM prevent Makhachev from establishing heavy top control against the fence?
- Size and Frame Differential: Makhachev moving up to 170 pounds means facing a natural, heavily built welterweight in JDM.
- Striking Mechanics: JDM possesses superior raw boxing power at 170 pounds, whereas Makhachev relies on precise kickboxing timing and level-change threats.
How to Watch, Pay-Per-View Details, and Broadcast Access
When the bout is officially finalized by UFC management, the event will headline a flagship Pay-Per-View card broadcast globally across key distribution networks.
- United States: Streamed live exclusively on ESPN+ PPV (prelims on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass).
- Australia: Available via Main Event on Foxtel and Kayo Sports PPV, given JDM's massive domestic fan following.
- United Kingdom & Ireland: Broadcast live on TNT Sports and streamed via discovery+.
- International Territories: Streamed directly through UFC Fight Pass or localized rights holders.
Fight fans are advised to track official ticket releases early through authorized venue partners, as a crossover bout between a Dagestani superstar and an Australian contender is expected to trigger rapid sellouts.
Islam Makhachev's UFC Record: Wins and Losses
Welterweight Title Picture and Potential Late-2026 Timeline
A move up to 170 pounds by Makhachev reshapes the championship landscape across two divisions simultaneously. If Makhachev secures a victory over a elite contender like JDM, he enters the rare conversation of two-division UFC champions, likely triggering an interim title picture at 155 pounds.
For Jack Della Maddalena, defeating Makhachev would vault him directly into global pound-for-pound status and solidify his position at the summit of the welterweight division. UFC officials are targeting late 2026 event dates, with prospective international host venues including Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and Perth.
