Khabib Nurmagomedov has admitted that he is concerned about the threat of Jack Della Maddalena ahead of Islam Makhachev’s clash against the Australian.
Earlier this year, Islam Makhachev shockingly vacated his UFC lightweight title in pursuit of a welterweight title fight against newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena after he dethroned Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
Initially, Della Maddalena was hoping to bring the fight to Australia, but that idea was quickly shut down by Makhachev who has pleaded with Dana White for the fight to take place at Madison Square Garden.
And with that, the Australian champion went on to provide a timeline for their clash, claiming that it will likely take place towards the end of the year.
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Della Maddalena will be Makhachev’s toughest fight
Ahead of the highly anticipated title fight, Makhachev has been warned about the threat of Della Maddalena by several UFC stars, and many fans and pundits are even picking Della Maddalena to beat the Russian.
And the worry of the threat that the Australian boxer presents is shared by Makhachev’s coach and one of the greatest fighters ever, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Although Makhachev is widely regarded as the pound-for-pound number one, there is a sense of unknown heading into this matchup because it will be his first at 170lbs.
And despite the fact that he has fought the likes of Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, Khabib has explained why he thinks Della Maddalena will be the toughest opponent of his career.
“In these fights, a small mistake can cost you everything. One little slip-up,” Khabib began to explain on the Hustle Show.
“No, no, no, brother, we don’t see it that way (that Islam is the favorite in the matchup). I don’t see it that way. I think Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam’s career, that’s my opinion. Not Charles, no one else.
“None of those other fighters, that is just my personal opinion (not even Ilia Topuria). First of all, Maddalena is twice the size of Ilia, he’s twice as big. Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. His boxing is just as good.
“And his grappling, he scrambles really well. For me, if we’re preparing Islam for either Ilia or Maddalena, I’d be more concerned – and am more concerned – about Maddalena. Way more,” Khabib continued.
Khabib reveals who could be after Della Maddalena for Makhachev
Although Ilia Topuria recently won the UFC lightweight title, a fight between him and Makhachev is unlikely to happen soon, but could still happen in the future.
If Makhachev successfully beats Della Maddalena to become the welterweight champion, Nurmagomedov has claimed that forgotten welterweight Kamaru Usman could be next in line for the Russian.
“Who’s even left? There’s (Ian Machado) Garry, there’s Shavkat (Rakhmonov), there’s Kamaru (Usman). It’s really hard for me to watch Maddalena. He’s a good fighter. But let’s just imagine hypothetically (Islam wins), I think Kamaru might show up, might be an option. It’s either Shavkat or Kamaru,” Khabib revealed.