Overview

• UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Jack Della Maddalena will defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev on November 15 at Madison Square Garden.
• Makhachev vacated the lightweight belt earlier this year to move up to 170 pounds in a bid for two-division UFC gold.
• Oddsmakers list Makhachev around -265 with Della Maddalena near +225, a spread Daniel Cormier says overstates the gap after JDM’s measured win over Belal Muhammad.
• Coach Ben Vickers forecasts Makhachev will pursue clinches and takedowns early, citing Khabib Nurmagomedov’s influence, and he warns JDM can hurt Makhachev on the feet.
• Della Maddalena brings a reported 69% takedown defense yet surrendered multiple takedowns to Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns, underscoring the striker-vs-wrestler stakes.