Jack Della Maddalena is set to defend his UFC welterweight title against Islam Makhachev on November 16, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Alexander Volkanovski’s head coach, Joe Lopez, has expressed confidence in Maddalena’s ability to secure a knockout victory, emphasizing a crucial shift in strategy that he believes could exploit Makhachev’s weaknesses.
Lopez, speaking to Fox Sports Australia, outlined the keys to Maddalena’s success following a recent visit to Perth, where he collaborated with the champion and his team. This visit came shortly after Volkanovski himself spent time with them, indicating a strong support system for Della Maddalena as he prepares for this high-stakes matchup.
Della Maddalena will enter the octagon at UFC 322 with the challenge of facing Makhachev, a former lightweight champion and one of the sport’s most formidable grapplers. Lopez noted that Maddalena’s physicality could prove advantageous, particularly given the size difference compared to Volkanovski, who moved up from featherweight to challenge Makhachev in previous encounters.
Lopez reflected on the lessons learned from Volkanovski’s fights against Makhachev, particularly the controversial decision in their first meeting. “You look back at that first fight, I still think Volk won it. I think we were unlucky,” Lopez stated, indicating that Volkanovski’s performance provides a valuable blueprint for Maddalena.
He praised Della Maddalena’s commitment, describing him as “incredibly determined, a tough, old school guy and an absolute goer.” Lopez predicts that Maddalena’s size and strength will be decisive factors in the fight. “I think Jack will be too big for him, too strong. So long as he doesn’t settle in the scrambles, keeps moving, and doesn’t let Islam play his game he will be too strong.”
The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive approach, drawing parallels with Volkanovski’s strategy in their earlier bouts. Lopez highlighted that while respect for Makhachev is necessary, it should not lead to hesitation. “If we fought Islam over, we would still show respect. But not too much. We’d play our game more,” he emphasized.
In preparation for the fight, Della Maddalena has enlisted Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Craig Jones, who previously assisted Team Volkanovski. Lopez indicated that Jones’s expertise would be invaluable, particularly in countering Makhachev’s grappling skills. “In the scrambles, Jack can’t be complacent and let Islam settle. That’s where Islam is strongest,” he cautioned.
Lopez believes that Della Maddalena is well-equipped to handle Makhachev’s ground game, attributing this readiness to the quality of training at Scrappy MMA and the strategic input from Jones. “Jack needs to be on top of that. And I can tell you he is,” Lopez affirmed.
As for predictions, Lopez is optimistic about the outcome. “I’m hoping Jack KOs him. I’d love to see it for Jack and for Australia, too. And he’s definitely capable of it,” he shared. The anticipation surrounding UFC 322 continues to build, with fans eager to see if Della Maddalena can deliver on the promises of his coach and secure his legacy in the welterweight division.
