Overview
- Jack Della Maddalena defends the UFC welterweight title against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Della Maddalena says he plans to stand back up, “sting” Makhachev on the feet, “break him,” and chase a finish after expecting heavy takedown attempts.
- Bookmakers list Makhachev as the betting favorite (reported near -250), with media visibility and star power cited by analyst Luke Thomas as factors shaping sentiment.
- Predictions remain divided, with Michael Chandler and former foe Randy Brown edging toward Della Maddalena, Khamzat Chimaev publicly picking Makhachev, and Kenny Florian questioning Islam’s effectiveness at 170 pounds.
- Legacy and trajectory loom large as Makhachev pursues a second divisional belt and GOAT claims raised by Michael Bisping, while Della Maddalena says he intends to defend multiple times before considering a move to face middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev.