Islam Makhachev questions Jack Della Maddalena after defeat

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev didn’t hold back when discussing Jack Della Maddalena’s recent loss in Perth, pointing out how much his game has changed.

After a strong start in the UFC, Jack Della Maddalena has now lost back-to-back fights. His most recent defeat came at the hands of Carlos Prates, who dominated the contest before securing a finish.

Prates was impressive throughout, not only in controlling the fight but also in getting the job done inside two rounds. Following that performance, there’s already talk about where Prates stands within the division and whether he might be next in line for a title shot.

Islam Makhachev raises concerns over Jack Della Maddalena’s preparations following loss to Carlos Prates

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev’s dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena was largely built around his wrestling, a clear strength that dictated the fight. But even when matched up with another striker in Carlos Prates, the former champion came off worse again, suffering a second consecutive defeat.

Makhachev, who faced Della Maddalena back in November, is well aware of what the Australian brings to the table but didn’t think he showed his usual form this time around.

“Of course I was watching it, I was watching it live. Apparently Maddalena could not collect himself,” Makhachev told Red Corner MMA. “Maybe he hasn’t fully recovered from the last defeat. He couldn’t find his range. I have studied his fights a lot before we fought. He gets close, changes levels and throws but this time around he just got close and took shots. Prates did an excellent job.”

Belal Muhammad had predicted that Prates would come out on top, picking up on something from Della Maddalena’s loss to Makhachev that gave him confidence in his prediction.