Makhachev Expected to Challenge Della Maddalena at UFC 322

Former UFC competitor Yoel Romero is endorsing Jack Della Maddalena in a hypothetical title match against Islam Makhachev within the welterweight division.

Makhachev, celebrated for his notable 12-0 winning record, is anticipated to face Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025.

UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, verified the fight details at an event earlier this month held in New York.

Khabib addressed queries about Makhachev’s upcoming plans. His statement appeared targeted at Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, implying that Ali might have preferred this information remain private, despite Khabib revealing it.

“[Abdelaziz is] displeased because I’m sharing information,” the 36-year-old UFC Hall of Famer clarified.

“However, this is his agreement with the UFC; I’m not involved with the UFC; it’s his concern.

“We have an arrangement with [the UFC]. [Makhachev] will compete at Madison Square Garden. They agreed.”

In related news, during an interview, Romero, a former title challenger in the middleweight division, lauded Della Maddalena’s comprehensive skill set.

”It’s challenging because Maddalena possesses exceptional stamina, and he’s a proficient striker. His grappling is respectable as well. It’s evenly matched…Maddalena is substantially sized for the 170-pound weight class,” Romero remarked.

Earlier in the year at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev, the former UFC champion, successfully defended his lightweight title for the fourth time against Renato Moicano through submission, before relinquishing his lightweight title in May and transitioning to the welterweight division.

Islam relinquished his title following Belal Muhammad’s defeat against Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 315.