Makhachev Vs JDM: Islam Makhachev Targets Welterweight Superfight Against Jack Della Maddalena
UFC Pound-for-Pound king Islam Makhachev is preparing for his boldest career move yet, with momentum building toward a monumental showdown against Australian powerhouse Jack Della Maddalena (JDM). As of August 2026, negotiations are intensifying for Makhachev to step up to 170 pounds, seeking double-champion status in a fight that promises to shatter Pay-Per-View expectations.
| Matchup Key Data | Fight Details |
|---|---|
| Bout | Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena |
| Weight Division | Welterweight (170 lbs) |
| Makhachev Status | Lightweight Champion / P4P #1 |
| Della Maddalena Status | Top Welterweight Contender |
| Expected Timeline | Late 2026 UFC Pay-Per-View |
| Broadcaster | ESPN+ PPV (US), Main Event (AUS), TNT Sports (UK) |
Style Vs. Style: Dagestani Wrestling Meets Elite Australian Boxing
The potential booking of Islam Makhachev against Jack Della Maddalena represents one of the most compelling tactical clashes in modern mixed martial arts. Makhachev has reigned supreme at lightweight through relentless chain-wrestling, suffocating top control, and an increasingly sophisticated striking game developed under Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Jack Della Maddalena presents a unique threat that Makhachev has rarely faced. The Perth native has stormed through the welterweight ranks with crisp, high-volume boxing, devastating body strikes, and underrated scramble mechanics.
Key fight factors shaping this 2026 matchup include:
- Size and Frame Advantage: Della Maddalena naturally carries more muscle mass at 170 pounds, forcing Makhachev to adapt to a heavier, longer opponent.
- Takedown Defense vs. Chain Takedowns: JDM’s ability to stay off the canvas will be pushed to its absolute limit against Makhachev's elite Sambo-based takedown chains.
- Pacing and Cardio: Both fighters thrive in five-round championship environments, setting up a high-paced battle of attrition.
How to Watch Makhachev vs JDM: Stream Details and Fight Night Access
When the bout is officially finalized by UFC officials, it will headline a major Pay-Per-View event late in the 2026 schedule. Fans looking to catch the action live across different regions will have several streaming and broadcast avenues:
- United States: Available exclusively via ESPN+ PPV. Prelims will air on ESPN and ESPN+.
- Australia: Live streaming on Kayo Sports and Main Event Pay-Per-View, catering to JDM's massive home audience.
- United Kingdom & Ireland: Broadcast live on TNT Sports and the Discovery+ app.
- Global / Rest of World: Streamed directly via UFC Fight Pass (subject to regional blackout restrictions).
Match times are slated for a standard UFC Pay-Per-View schedule, with the early preliminary card kicking off at 6:00 PM ET, followed by the main card broadcast at 10:00 PM ET.
Islam Makhachev's UFC Record: Wins and Losses
Welterweight Division Shakeup: What a Makhachev vs JDM Showdown Means for 2026
A crossover bout of this magnitude carries immense stakes for the entire UFC landscape. Should Makhachev successfully jump to 170 pounds and defeat a dangerous contender like Della Maddalena, he secures his spot alongside Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes in the pantheon of two-division simultaneous champions.
For Jack Della Maddalena, a victory over the world's pound-for-pound best fighter would propel him to global superstardom. Defeating Makhachev not only cements JDM as the premier combat sports star in Australia but also puts an end to the Dagestani dominance that has ruled the lightweight and welterweight title conversations for years.
As contract negotiations near completion in late 2026, both camps are actively preparing for what could be the definitive fight of the year.
