Coach Jack Della challenges: We will ‘take care of’ Makhachev, the UFC should be grateful!

The build-up to the highly anticipated welterweight title clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev just took an intriguing turn. Craig Jones, the renowned grappler and one of the architects behind Maddalena’s recent success, has fired a bold shot at the UFC and its complex relationship with both himself and Dagestani wrestlers like Makhachev.

Jack Della Maddalena’s Grappling Evolution on Display

Jack Della Maddalena has often been recognized for his striking prowess, but his most recent performance against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 showed a different side of the Australian fighter. Despite Muhammad’s belief that he won the fight, judges awarded Della Maddalena the decision, crowning him the welterweight champion.

Critics and fans alike lauded Della Maddalena’s grappling defense and ground composure, crediting much of his improvement to the coaching of Craig Jones, an elite grappler with an IBJJF world championship pedigree and significant experience preparing fighters against top-tier wrestlers.

The Ultimate Test: Islam Makhachev

In his first title defense, Della Maddalena faces Islam Makhachev, the former lightweight champion and pound-for-pound great. Makhachev is widely regarded as one of the best grapplers in MMA, having dismantled elite lightweights with his suffocating Dagestani wrestling style. His move to welterweight is bold, but it’s a calculated risk by a fighter who has dominated his division and now seeks greater challenges.

Yet, according to Craig Jones, this matchup may also present an opportunity for the UFC itself.

Craig Jones: Helping the UFC by Eliminating Dagestani Wrestlers?

Jones, who helped prepare Alexander Volkanovski for his bouts against Makhachev, is no stranger to countering the Dagestani grappling system. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jones humorously described the UFC’s conundrum when it comes to his presence in the sport.

“UFC hates me, but they also hate Dagestani wrestlers and Jack Della is fighting Islam Makhachev. So they’re in a catch-22. They’re like, ‘F— we hate this guy but we hate these wrestlers as well.’ So, I think they want me… I helped them get rid of Belal. Hold on a bit longer guys, we’ll get rid of Islam Makhachev for you.”

Jones’ comment points to the friction between his Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) submission grappling promotion and the UFC’s recently launched UFC BJJ venture. Despite the rivalry, Jones remains focused on his coaching duties, believing his grappling expertise is critical to neutralizing fighters like Makhachev.

Craig Jones’ Impact in the MMA World

Jones has carved out a reputation as one of the sharpest grappling minds in the sport. Beyond his success on the mats, he has transitioned seamlessly into MMA coaching, helping numerous fighters sharpen their ground games.

His work with Alexander Volkanovski, particularly in preparing for Makhachev’s ground attack, earned praise despite Volkanovski’s close losses to the Dagestani. Now, with Jack Della Maddalena, Jones sees an opportunity to finish what he and Volkanovski started.

The UFC’s Complicated Relationship with Submission Grappling

The tension between Jones and the UFC isn’t new. With the launch of UFC BJJ, the promotion positioned itself as a direct competitor to Jones’ own grappling organization. Jones has been outspoken about what he perceives as the UFC’s attempt to monopolize the submission grappling space.

Despite these differences, Jones continues to coach some of the UFC’s top athletes, creating a strange dynamic where the organization benefits from his expertise while simultaneously competing with his business interests.

What This Means for Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena

Makhachev’s shift to welterweight is filled with risk. While his grappling has been nearly unstoppable at lightweight, he now faces a physically larger, much-improved opponent who has been training specifically to stop his takedowns and work from defensive positions.

Della Maddalena’s striking advantage is clear, but against Makhachev, the question has always been whether anyone can keep the fight standing. With Jones in his corner, the Australian champion is aiming to answer that question definitively.

Can Craig Jones Solve the Dagestani Puzzle?

Jones’ game plans have shown mixed results against Makhachev—Volkanovski came incredibly close to dethroning the Dagestani star, but ultimately fell short. However, Della Maddalena brings a different toolset. He’s a welterweight with knockout power and now, apparently, rapidly developing grappling chops.

If Jones can help Della Maddalena neutralize the takedown threat, the Australian champion could force Makhachev into an uncomfortable striking battle—a scenario few opponents have managed to create.

The Bigger Picture: UFC Power Dynamics and Fan Anticipation

Jones’ comments may be tongue-in-cheek, but they reflect a broader tension in the UFC landscape. Fighters and coaches who challenge the organizational status quo often find themselves at odds with management. Yet, they also drive some of the most compelling narratives in the sport.

Fans are already hyped for this fight, seeing it as one of the biggest stylistic clashes of the year. Will Makhachev’s elite wrestling prevail? Or will Della Maddalena, armed with Jones’ tactical brilliance, pull off the upset?

Conclusion: A Fight That Could Shift the UFC Landscape

Regardless of who Dana White favors in this scenario, the clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev is shaping up to be a fight that transcends divisions and rivalries. It’s a battle of styles, a collision of MMA cultures, and perhaps, a defining moment in the careers of both men.

With Craig Jones stoking the flames of competition—both inside and outside the cage—this bout is about more than just a title. It’s about influence, legacy, and perhaps, proving once and for all whether the Dagestani grappling machine can be stopped.