Jack Della Maddalena has the mindset to overcome Islam Makhachev, according to a former UFC world champion.
On Saturday evening, the Australian shocked the world by relieving Belal Muhammad of the welterweight belt at UFC 315, in front of a stunned crowd at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The underdog looked sensational, as he outboxed ‘Remember the Name’ en route to proving himself as one of the pound-for-pound best in the sport.
Now, attention has switched to the potential of Maddalena vs Makhachev, with the Dagestani’s coach, saying his fighter is a ‘whole different animal’, compared to anyone the Aussie has faced before.
WOW: Daniel Cormier clashed with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev in heated argument
Robert Whittaker says Jack Della Maddalena beats Islam Makhachev
Robert Whittaker believes that Islam Makhachev will present a much more formidable challenge to Jack Della Maddalena than his previous opponent did.
However, despite this, ‘The Reaper’ still believes his countryman would get the job done.
In an interview with Submission Radio, he explained: “It is hard to try to get an accurate gauge on what it’s going to look like, not knowing how Islam is going to look when he moves up.
“That’s always the question everybody asks when anybody is moving up or down a division; there are so many unknowns involved.
“But saying that, I think Islam can do everything that Belal does, but way better.
“I thought Jack handily had the fight, but it was a fight. I don’t think it’ll be an easy fight for Jack, but I believe in Jack; he’s got that X-factor, he’s got that hunger there.
“Just like with Belal, just like with Gilbert Burns, I think he can do the impossible.”
Jack Della Maddalena reveals whether Belal Muhammad really has ‘Canelo hands’
While the now former welterweight world champion is renowned for his grappling skills, he spent the bulk of his fight with Maddalena trying to battle it out on the feet.
This played into his rival’s hands, with the esteemed striker landing classy shots on the American.
In the aftermath of their contest, Maddalena gave his take on whether Belal Muhammad really has ‘Canelo hands’.