UFC 322 is finally here and features a tremendous Main Event matchup between reigning Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena against former 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev. Della Maddalena has won 18 straight fights, while the challenger is currently on an eight-fight winning streak.
JDM has won his first eight fights in the UFC, as Makhachev is in the midst of the second-longest streak in UFC history. If Makhachev wins, he would tie Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in promotion history (16). Here is my prediction for the Main Event of UFC 322 between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev.
Jack Della Maddalena Moneyline (+245)
There are many uncommon factors in this fight. JDM enters this bout as the defending champion, riding an 18-fight winning streak, and is over a 2/1 underdog. A significant reason for this is that JDM isn’t defending his title against a typical fighter. His opponent is making his 170-pound debut, but enters this bout as the most accomplished UFC Lightweight Champion in the promotion’s history.
Still, despite Della Maddalena having a tough test, he possesses the skills to become the first fighter in a decade to defeat Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is the disciple of former UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and has continued the Eagle’s dominance.
Makhachev had an incredible run at 155 pounds, finishing eight of his previous nine opponents, with four of them coming in title fights. He has future UFC Hall of Famers, such as Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier, on his resume, but context matters.
Volkanovski moved up to Lightweight as the Featherweight Champion to take on Makhachev. Makhachev retained his title, but many gave the nod to the Aussie. Then, on 11 days’ notice, Makhachev defeated Volk once again. A few fights later, Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano after Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of the bout. Makhachev hasn’t faced an opponent on JDM’s level in 16 months, since he fought Poirier.
If JDM uses his three-inch reach advantage to his benefit and dictates the pace of this contest, he will have a great opportunity to successfully defend his title. Della Maddalena averages 6.84 significant strikes per minute, the second most in UFC Welterweight history. Getting JDM at +245 on DraftKings Sportsbook is excellent value for a defending champion.
