Maddalena Sets Sights on Islam Makhachev After UFC 322 Loss

The memory of UFC 322 still sits fresh in Jack Della Maddalena’s mind. At Madison Square Garden, he felt the fight drift away as Islam Makhachev took control from the opening moments. 

The Australian had entered the bout with momentum and belief, and that confidence met resistance almost immediately. Each takedown attempt from Makhachev landed with purpose, shutting down space and rhythm. Maddalena later admitted that once pinned, escape options were not there for him.

Respect and Realism

Speaking during a recent online appearance, Maddalena did not dodge the truth. He praised Makhachev’s top pressure and patience, pointing out how the champion neutralized movement before damage followed. The problem, he explained, was not preparation but position. Being held flat disrupted timing, breathing, and any chance to reset.

Despite the loss, admiration surfaced alongside frustration. Maddalena acknowledged the craft involved in maintaining control for long stretches. He described it as a lesson delivered the hard way, one that reshaped how he views elite-level grappling exchanges.

Asked about his next step, Maddalena’s answer came quickly. A clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov sits at the top of his list. Rakhmonov, unbeaten and dangerous, represents both risk and opportunity. Maddalena sees victory there as a direct ticket back into title discussions.

Rakhmonov has not competed since 2024 after recovering from a serious accident, adding intrigue to a potential matchup. Maddalena believes that overcoming such a name changes narratives instantly. One decisive performance, in his view, reshapes the division’s picture.

For Maddalena, the aim remains clear: regroup, evolve, and earn another walk toward Makhachev. The first meeting closed one chapter, and the next, if it comes, might present a very different script.