For many, Islam Makhachev is on the cusp of eclipsing his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, at least in terms of stats. While Khabib did not eye moving up from his weight category, Makhachev will be fighting for a second title. As he prepares for his fight, the Dagestani has some interesting thoughts to share. Speaking about his opponent, Makhachev stated that he was actually surprised at how Belal Muhammad lost his gold.
Jack Della Maddalena pulled off a dominant performance to get over Muhammad. However, having known Muhammad for a long time, Makhachev pointed out a major flaw that cost him the bout. Analyzing the fight, Makhachev stated that Muhammad boxed until the last round. However, his strength was wrestling. Thus, not resorting to wrestling from the beginning, Muhammad missed a trick, as per the former lightweight champion.
“He(Belal) started wrestling in the last round maybe. You have to wrestle from the first round. If you have plan to wrestle, best time to wrestle is from the first round because you can make him tired,” said Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev on Belal Muhammad's performance against Jack Della Maddalena:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 25, 2025
"I know [Belal's] skills, I was surprised how he fight. I was surprised [with] his gameplan. I think he did mistake. He had the option but he don't use.
He started wrestling in the last round maybe.… pic.twitter.com/DfKZnHukKG
And Makhachev is pretty on point with his analysis. Ahead of the bout, Muhammad did express his desire to box with Della Maddalena. This was because he wanted the fight to be exciting. Meanwhile, coming back to his fight, Makhachev dropped a probable timeline for his fight.
Islam Makhachev Teases A Fight In November
Islam Makhachev is looking all ready to take on Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev has acknowledged that Della Maddalena will be a tough customer to beat. But that is not stopping him from being confident about becoming a two-division champion. And he wants to make the moment memorable. In a recent statement, the Dagestani expressed his wish to fight in November at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
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“I asked Dana if we have some opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden. It would be honour for me to fight in the biggest arena for MMA and boxing. Legendary arena,” said Makhachev.
🚨 Islam Makhachev says he asked Dana White if his fight against JDM could be at MSG in November 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 25, 2025
"I asked Dana if we have some opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden. It would be honour for me to fight in the biggest arena for MMA and boxing. Legendary arena."
(via… pic.twitter.com/ClnX88dgqL
Thus, with Makhachev looking locked in, it now remains to be seen what happens next.
