Overview
- Jack Della Maddalena defends the welterweight belt against Islam Makhachev on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Islam Makhachev makes his 170-pound debut after four successful lightweight title defenses and received an immediate shot at welterweight gold.
- Della Maddalena says he plans to surprise Makhachev with his grappling and points to past success neutralizing takedowns in his title-winning performance.
- He says a jump to middleweight interests him only after multiple welterweight defenses, with Khamzat Chimaev flagged as a potential future challenge.
- Michael Chandler gives Della Maddalena a slight edge based on striking power even as betting odds continue to favor Makhachev, and the card also features Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates and Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales.