Could the sheer weight of expectation at UFC 322 propel Islam Makhachev to victory, or will it crush him? Michael Bisping, a seasoned UFC veteran himself, believes the former is true. He's now predicting Makhachev will not only win but dominate against Jack Della Maddalena, and it all boils down to one thing: Makhachev is built for this. But here's where it gets controversial... Bisping's initial prediction was against Makhachev. So, what changed his mind?
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) is set to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) in the headline event of UFC 322 this Saturday. The stage? None other than the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight will be available on pay-per-view, ESPNews, Disney+, FX, and ESPN+. Makhachev is aiming to etch his name in history, joining an elite group of fighters who have conquered titles in two different weight classes. This is no small feat, and the pressure is immense.
Bisping's journey to this prediction is a fascinating one. Initially, he declared it a 50-50 fight in an interview with MMA Junkie. Then, he leaned towards Della Maddalena securing a decision victory. Now, he's firmly in Makhachev's corner. What caused this dramatic shift?
"We've got to remember, Islam Makhachev was bred for this ever since he was a little boy," Bisping explained on his YouTube channel. "There's something different about him, about his team, about Khabib [Nurmagomedov], about Eagle MMA, about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the lineage, the heritage, and just the kind of fighting spirit these men have." He emphasizes the rigorous training, the unwavering discipline, and the deep-rooted fighting tradition that has shaped Makhachev into the fighter he is today. Think of it like a thoroughbred racehorse, carefully nurtured and prepared for the biggest races.
And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about physical prowess. It's about mental fortitude and the ability to perform under immense pressure. Bisping highlights that Makhachev has faced high-stakes situations before, which gives him a distinct advantage over Della Maddalena, who is making his first title defense. "Islam Makhachev has been bred for this moment, and he's been in these big moments before. This is a super fight going down at Madison Square Garden, and this is Jack Della Maddalena's first defense." Bisping even admitted to initially favoring Della Maddalena on Instagram last week, but after further reflection, he's convinced Makhachev will emerge victorious.
Considering Makhachev's impressive finishing rate – eight of his last nine opponents succumbed to his superior skills – Bisping foresees another stoppage win. He elaborates: "Jack Della Maddalena, I love this guy. He's a big guy. He's a strong welterweight. He's got good takedown defense. He's got beautiful boxing. But I just don't think it's his time. This is a superfight, and the magnitude of the event will play a factor. It's a huge fight. There's a massive amount of media attention on this matchup, as well."
But here's another controversial point: some analysts argue that Della Maddalena's striking power could be a significant threat to Makhachev. They believe that if Della Maddalena can keep the fight standing, he has a real chance of landing a knockout blow.
"It is a true superfight because Islam Makhachev is daring to be great and join the GOAT by becoming a two-weight division champion," Bisping concludes. "Will he do that? Will he join that very short list of fighters that were able to become double-champs? I say, yes. I think he beats Jack Della Maddalena. I think he finds a submission toward the end of the fight because that is what he does." Bisping believes Makhachev's grappling prowess will ultimately be the deciding factor, leading to a submission victory in the later rounds. Do you agree with Bisping's prediction? Will Makhachev's experience and lineage carry him to victory, or will Della Maddalena's power and determination prove too much? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
