As UFC 322 approaches, all eyes turn to Madison Square Garden where welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena will defend his title against lightweight king Islam Makhachev. For a matchup this complex, few voices matter more than someone who has shared the Octagon with Makhachev himself—Dustin Poirier. Fresh off his grueling battle with Makhachev at UFC 302, Poirier offers an insider’s perspective on how this champion-versus-champion showdown might unfold.
Poirier’s Insider View: The Only Man to Push Makhachev to His Limit
Dustin Poirier knows what most fighters can only speculate about. At UFC 302, he endured nearly five full rounds with Islam Makhachev before finally succumbing to a submission. That fight was one of the hardest, most physically demanding bouts of Islam’s career.
Because of that experience, Poirier’s breakdown of UFC 322 carries a unique credibility. He understands the Dagestani champion’s pressure, strength, and fight IQ better than almost anyone.
JDM’s Dangerous Toolbox: Precision, Movement, Youth, and Power
Jack Della Maddalena enters UFC 322 riding an incredible seventeen-plus fight win streak. Known for his tight boxing, creative combinations, and relentless pressure, the Australian champion represents a very different type of threat than Makhachev’s previous opponents.
Poirier believes JDM’s striking gives him a genuine path to victory—if he can stay upright.
JDM’s advantages include:
- Crisp, accurate punching combinations
- Excellent distance management
- Fast reactions in tight exchanges
- Knockout power from both stances
If JDM can consistently create space and keep the fight in boxing range, Poirier sees him posing serious problems for the Dagestani champion.
The Makhachev Myth: Not a Small Lightweight — a Full-Sized Athlete
A common assumption among fans is that Makhachev may struggle physically at welterweight. Poirier immediately dismisses that idea. According to him, Makhachev is bigger and stronger than most people realize.
Throughout his lightweight career, Makhachev endured massive weight cuts to hit 155 pounds. Competing without that burden allows him to enter the cage stronger, more hydrated, and more explosive.
Poirier suggests this version of Islam—fully fueled and fighting at a more natural weight—could be even more dangerous than the lightweight champion fans are familiar with.
The Deciding Factor: Can JDM Survive the Wrestling Storm?
If there’s one thing Poirier emphasizes above all else, it’s the importance of JDM’s takedown defense and scrambling ability.
Makhachev’s grappling isn’t just about takedowns—it’s about rhythm control. Once Islam gets his hands on you, he drains your energy, breaks your balance, and forces you into a defensive shell.
For JDM to win, Poirier believes he must:
- Defend early takedowns
- Stand up quickly after being grounded
- Create constant scrambles
- Maintain enough space to box
If JDM can repeatedly escape and bring the fight back to striking range, the champion’s knockout power becomes a real threat.
A Classic Clash of Fighting Philosophies
This matchup represents the purest form of stylistic contrast in MMA today.
Islam Makhachev – The Grappling Architect
- Elite wrestling and advanced submission chains
- Mastery of positional control
- Ability to dictate pace and fatigue opponents
Jack Della Maddalena – The Precision Striker
- Dangerous combinations
- Smooth footwork
- Fight-changing power in every exchange
According to Poirier, forcing Makhachev into prolonged striking exchanges could turn this fight into an instant classic.
A Fight That Could Define Two Careers
Poirier doesn’t offer a prediction, but he believes UFC 322 has all the ingredients to become one of the most significant fights of the year.
For Jack Della Maddalena, it’s a chance to prove he’s the true king of a new generation.
For Islam Makhachev, it’s an opportunity to etch his name into UFC history as a two-division champion—an achievement earned by only a handful of legends.
To Poirier, this bout symbolizes more than a title defense. It’s a test of skill, stamina, mental fortitude, and championship identity. A fight worthy of Madison Square Garden—and one that could shake the entire MMA landscape.
Bet Now With Panalobet Sports – Your Best Place for UFC Betting Action
If you’re planning to bet on the explosive matchup between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, there’s no better platform than Panalobet Sports. Whether you’re backing the champion, rooting for the challenger, or exploring prop bets like method of victory, round betting, or total takedowns, Panalobet gives you everything you need for an exciting and rewarding wagering experience.
Panalobet Sports offers:
- Competitive UFC odds updated in real time
- Live betting for every round and momentum swing
- Safe and fast payouts with trusted payment methods
- Exclusive bonuses and sportsbook boosts
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and veteran bettors
Plus, new players can claim the Panalobet Free 100 bonus to kickstart their betting journey with extra value—perfect for major events like UFC 322.
Whether you’re betting on Makhachev’s relentless grappling pressure or JDM’s knockout boxing, Panalobet Sports gives you the best chance to enjoy the action and maximize your winnings.
Sign up today, claim your bonus, and place your UFC 322 bets with confidence.
