"Since becoming welterweight champion at UFC 315 in Montreal earlier this year, not much has changed for Australia's JDM. In his mind, it's just a matter of getting "on to the next big challenge." That big challenge has arrived in Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight title earlier this year to pursue a second belt. Maddalena called it a "legacy fight" during Wednesday's UFC 322 media day, with Cageside Press on hand."
""Going in there five rounds with Islam, you've got to expect to at least hit the ground at some point. He's battle-tested, he's been in there against some of the best guys, so expect to hit the ground, but it's what he can do with that," stated Maddalena. "Obviously perfect world, keep him away, not be able to hit the ground, but we expect a full mixed martial arts battle.""
Jack Della Maddalena enters UFC 322 as the reigning welterweight champion and sees the matchup with Islam Makhachev as the next major challenge. Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title to chase a welterweight belt, creating a legacy opportunity. Maddalena expects a five-round contest that will likely involve ground exchanges because of Makhachev's proven grappling. Maddalena prefers to keep the fight standing but is prepared for full mixed-martial-arts action. Makhachev claimed few tough fights existed at welterweight, and Maddalena said he has the skills to deliver a difficult fight. Fan support for Maddalena has grown despite him feeling like an underdog.
Read at Cageside Press
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