Islam Makhachev (27-1) has high regard for his upcoming opponent, Jack Della Maddalena (18-2).
Makhachev will challenge Maddalena for the welterweight title in the main event at UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The former lightweight champ recently praised Maddalena’s skillset while also pointing out a hole in his game. While Makhachev thinks Maddalena is a great striker, he believes the Australian lacks effective takedown defense. However, Makhachev notes that while almost all of Maddalena’s UFC opponents took him down, the welterweight champ can defend himself on the ground.