Jack Della Maddalena plans to work with Alexander Volkanovski before title defense against Islam Makhachev
- Mark Myword
- May 26
- 7 min read
Jack Della Maddalena is teaming up with Alexander Volkanovski as he prepares for his UFC welterweight title defense against Islam Makhachev. This partnership between two of Australia’s top MMA fighters brings together current champions who know what it takes to win at the sport’s highest level.
Della Maddalena plans to gain insight from Volkanovski’s experience, especially since Volkanovski has already fought against Makhachev in the UFC. Fans are eager to see if this move will help Della Maddalena keep his belt as he faces one of the toughest opponents in the division. To learn more about this strategic partnership, visit this report on Della Maddalena’s plan to work with Volkanovski.
Jack Della Maddalena's Title Defense Strategy
Jack Della Maddalena is preparing for his first welterweight title defense at UFC 317. He has focused on collaboration, intense training, and studying his next opponent, Islam Makhachev.
Training Plans with Alexander Volkanovski
Jack Della Maddalena has announced that he will partner with fellow Australian UFC champion, Alexander Volkanovski, to improve his skills. Volkanovski’s experience as a former featherweight champion offers valuable insight into fight strategy and mental toughness.
Both athletes plan to train together in Australia. Their collaboration will put emphasis on technical drills, fight-camp sparring, and specific game plans. Volkanovski’s work ethic and tactical knowledge will help Jack enhance both his grappling and striking.
Jack believes that training with someone who has already faced Islam Makhachev will give him an edge in preparation. He aims to learn how Volkanovski handled pressure, takedown defense, and the pace of a five-round fight. These sessions will be essential in Jack’s approach to his own title defense.
Preparation for Facing Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev is known for his dominant wrestling, stamina, and ability to control opponents. Jack Della Maddalena's camp is designing a plan that addresses these strengths head-on.
Jack is focusing on improving his takedown defense, footwork, and conditioning. His coaches have brought in specialist grapplers to mirror Makhachev’s style and simulate real fight conditions.
Film study is also a big part of Jack’s training. He and his team are reviewing Makhachev’s previous fights, especially against Alexander Volkanovski, to find weaknesses or habits. This approach helps Jack prepare for the transitions and pressure that Makhachev is likely to bring during the fight.
Attention to detail and adaptability remain key strategies in camp.
Focus on UFC 317 and Welterweight Title
Jack Della Maddalena’s title defense is expected to headline UFC 317, one of the year’s top cards. The pressure of defending the welterweight title on such a big stage brings both challenges and motivation.
His team is making sure training camp stays on track, mixing hard sparring, recovery, and media obligations. They are monitoring his weight and fitness levels to keep him sharp through fight week.
Jack’s main focus apart from technical training is steady mental preparation. He is working with sports psychologists to manage nerves and keep focused under the bright lights of a main event. This balanced approach ensures he arrives at UFC 317 in peak shape and ready to defend his welterweight title against Islam Makhachev.
The Significance of Alexander Volkanovski’s Involvement
Alexander Volkanovski brings rare skills and valuable insights as a former featherweight champion. His long history at the top of the UFC gives Jack Della Maddalena real advantages ahead of his fight with Islam Makhachev.
Volkanovski’s Influence as a Featherweight Champion
Volkanovski held the UFC featherweight title for several years. During his reign, he showed technical skill, strong wrestling, and smart fighting tactics. These strengths helped him defeat top fighters and keep his championship status.
He is known for his ability to adjust in the cage. Volkanovski uses feints, footwork, and cage control to outsmart his opponents. Many UFC fighters respect his fight IQ because he studies his rivals closely.
Training with Volkanovski can help Della Maddalena sharpen his own skills. By working on defense, distance management, and striking, he can prepare for Makhachev’s wrestling-heavy attacks. Volkanovski’s success shows that smart strategy is as important as power or speed.
Shared Experience Competing for UFC Titles
Both Volkanovski and Della Maddalena have competed at the highest levels of the UFC. Volkanovski defended the featherweight title multiple times against some of the most skilled fighters in the world. Della Maddalena will now step into a similar position as a title defender.
They each know the pressure that comes before a UFC title fight. Facing a champion like Islam Makhachev brings unique challenges and high stakes. Volkanovski has already faced Makhachev himself, giving him unique knowledge that can help Della Maddalena prepare for this opponent. As Della Maddalena plans to work with Volkanovski, he will gain first-hand advice on mental preparation, game plans, and handling the spotlight.
Having someone who understands what it takes to win and defend a UFC belt adds key experience and support during training camp. Their partnership is built on shared goals and a drive to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Breaking Down the Challenge: Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has built a reputation as a dominant UFC lightweight champion who excels in grappling, control, and submissions. For any opponent, especially a striker like Jack Della Maddalena, understanding Makhachev’s key abilities and planning how to deal with his ground game is critical.
Makhachev’s Skills as UFC Lightweight Champion
Islam Makhachev is known for his elite grappling, often dictating where the fight takes place. He uses his wrestling to get opponents to the ground, where he applies constant pressure. Over the years, he has developed a striking game that supports his takedowns.
His style is influenced by the greats of Dagestani MMA, combining takedown accuracy, top control, and dangerous submissions. He rarely gives opponents any space to work or recover.
Notable wins over top names, including Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski, have shown that he can dominate top-level talent with both his grappling and improving stand-up skills.
A look at the numbers:
Makhachev’s ability to stick to opponents and wear them down separates him from other contenders for the UFC lightweight title.
Key Strategies Against Submission Artists
Fighting a submission artist like Islam Makhachev takes special preparation. Defending against takedowns is the first priority. Building strong underhooks, keeping the back away from the cage, and circling out are ways to stop his forward pressure.
If taken down, it’s important to avoid giving up the back or leaving arms exposed to chokes and submissions. Fighters have found some success by using elbows from the bottom, staying active, and quickly getting back to their feet. Training with athletes who have faced Makhachev before, such as Alexander Volkanovski, can provide valuable firsthand experience
Key points for fighting a submission specialist like Makhachev:
Stuff takedowns at all costs
Manage distance with jabs and kicks
Stand up fast if taken down
Protect neck and arms during scrambles
Planning for these scenarios gives a contender the best chance of avoiding the submission game of the lightweight champion and keeping the fight in their world.
Implications for the UFC Landscape
Jack Della Maddalena’s decision to team up with Alexander Volkanovski before his title defense against Islam Makhachev could affect key contenders and how future matchups are set. Big names like Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier, along with discussions about vacant and defended titles, are all important parts of the current UFC environment.
Potential Matchups: Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Others
If Jack Della Maddalena wins or impresses against Makhachev, it can shake up possible matchups in both the welterweight and lightweight divisions. Fighters like Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier, who are always in the mix for big fights, could see new opportunities open up.
Chandler has been linked to a comeback fight with Conor McGregor, but delays or a quick win could put him in line to challenge at 170 pounds. Dustin Poirier remains a top name and could become a possible opponent for Della Maddalena, especially if he moves up in weight after his recent battles at lightweight.
Other fighters such as Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Belal Muhammad might be considered for future title eliminators. The outcome of this title defense may influence rematch talks, crossover fights, and even bouts with rising contenders like Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, or Diego Lopes, depending on performances and rankings.
Impact on Vacant and Defended Titles
A new champion or a dominant defense can influence the status of both vacant and actively defended belts. If Della Maddalena beats Makhachev, it could leave certain belts—especially at lightweight—open for competition if Makhachev then moves divisions or takes time off.
Belal Muhammad is already waiting for his chance and could step in if a belt becomes vacant or if an interim title is planned. If belts are left open, doors open for rising stars and veterans to claim gold, forcing the UFC to organize fresh title fights. This reshuffling could even impact divisions that are not directly involved, such as when featherweights like Max Holloway jump weight to chase new challenges.
Title defenses could set up big rematches if immediate rematch clauses are used, or new faces might get title chances if champions are forced to move up, down, or step aside due to injury or suspension.
Dana White and the Future of the Welterweight Division
Dana White’s response to title changes, new rivalries, or unexpected upsets will be key for the future of the division. He has often promised fans exciting fights with popular names and fast-tracked talent, so changes at the top can lead to new promotional pushes or surprise matchups.
The partnership between Della Maddalena and Volkanovski highlights the strength of Australian fighters and could lead to more international events. White may use this to promote headliners outside the U.S. or set up Australia-based cards to draw local crowds.
Any knockout victories or highlight performances from this stretch can quickly change UFC priorities. Depending on outcomes, fighters like Diego Lopes or Ilia Topuria might leap into title pictures faster, while veterans are matched with up-and-comers to test their future in the top ten. Dana White’s decisions, driven by rankings and fighter popularity, will shape the title scene moving forward.
