Islam Makhachev has been on the receiving end of a vicious rant from a UFC star.
With Jack Della Maddalena defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, the Dagestani has decided to move up a division to challenge for the 170-pound throne.
However, while Chael Sonnen has slated Makhachev for avoiding Ilia Topuria, one MMA star has said there’s another reason why the legend shouldn’t have left lightweight.
The fighter in question is adamant he has what it takes to defeat the future Hall of Famer.
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Joaquin Buckley says he’s Islam Makhachev’s ‘worst nightmare’
Joaquin Buckley believes he’s spotted flaws in Islam Makhachev’s game that he could exploit if they ever fought.
‘New Mansa’ claims that after defeating Kamaru Usman on June 14, his rival will regret switching weight classes.
In an interview with Parry Punch, he said: “Even though Islam and I have never had a connection, he’s going to know a lot about me if we ever get booked to fight.
“The people he has struggled with and the people that have shown a couple of holes in his game — I’m going to be his worst nightmare, not JDM.
“JDM has a lot of holes that Islam can exploit, and we saw it in the Gilbert Burns fight, actually, we’ve seen it in several fights.
“But with me, though, and what I did to Colby Covington and what I’m going to do to Kamaru Usman, it’s going to be in his head.
“Even Khabib Nurmagomedov will probably tell him moving up ain’t a good idea. I want that pound-for-pound.”
Jack Della Maddalena will defeat Islam Makhachev, according to a UFC legend
Regardless of what Buckley says, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Makhachev will beat Maddalena.
The Australian has proven his skills beyond doubt, with one former UFC world champion taking note.
Having analyzed both skill sets, the icon in question thinks he knows who wins the fight.
In an interesting breakdown, the MMA legend explained why he believes Maddalena beats Makhachev.