Team Khabib Provides Grim News on Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena Fight Talks

The hype around Islam Makhachev‘s long-awaited jump to welterweight has reached an all-time high. Fans have been raving about a potential fight with recently crowned champ Jack Della Maddalena, which could significantly shake up the 170-pound division. Whispers about Madison Square Garden, legacy-defining moments, and a clash of styles have only fueled curiosity. However, despite the buzz, Team Khabib Nurmagomedov just issued a reality check that may disappoint those hoping for a quick fight date announcement.

For weeks, Jack Della Maddalena has openly pushed for the fight. After winning the welterweight championship at UFC 315, he settled on the Dagestani as his ideal opponent for a big title defense. He even name-dropped his dream venue, the iconic MSG. “I’ve always wanted to fight there,” Della Maddalena stated. “It’s a big matchup; that would be the spot.” This made fight fans even more excited that pretty soon, they might get the fight announcement they want.

However, Coach Javier Mendez, one of Team Khabib’s most trusted voices, recently spoke out on the Javier & The Mo and shot down any suggestion of an upcoming fight within the next two to three months. In a brutally honest update, Mendez admitted, “We have not started yet. The fight’s not signed yet, according to what I know. The date’s not done yet, so there’s no camp yet.”

That’s not all; he casually added that Islam Makhachev had been out dirt biking in his free time, something he is not allowed to do during fight camps. “I just seen him dirt bike riding. He’s an extreme adventure guy, so I don’t think the fight is happening next month or anything like that. So, he’s enjoying.”

And if you’re still holding onto rumors of a summer bout, Mendez wants you to forget them. In his words, “So there’s no fight.” As for when that might happen, the coach was straightforward, as he mentioned a few possibilities: “September is Mexico. October, November, December, January—look at any one of those potential four months as when we get the signing.” So, for now, nothing has been decided, and everything remains in limbo.

MMA: UFC Fight Night-Calgary-Johnson vs Makhachev, Jul 28, 2018 Calgary, Alberta, Canada Islam Makhachev blue gloves defeats Kajan Johnson red gloves during UFC Fight Night at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports, 28.07.2018 16:41:50, 11006109, UFC Fight Night, Scotiabank Saddledome, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSergeixBelskix 11006109

But don’t think Coach Mendez was done talking; he also addressed the flurry of leaks and phony announcements circulating around online. “Even if the manager, the opposition corner, or even my corner says, ‘Oh, we’re fighting,’ guys, don’t believe anything,” he said. “Only believe the UFC. They’re the ones running this organization.” For him, pursuing clout through early leaks is meaningless unless the UFC makes it public.

So, while fans and fighters alike continue to fantasize about the historic showdown between Islam Makhachev and Della Maddalena, reality remains stuck in neutral. Until the UFC makes it official, the wait continues—and Team Khabib Nurmagomedov is not in a hurry. But can we say that they are carefree? Well, that is a possibility. Especially considering the confidence the coach has in his #1 student.

Javier Mendez warns Jack Della Maddalena against taking Islam Makhachev lightly

While Team Khabib’s tone conveys calm and patience, do not confuse it for complacency. While Coach Javier Mendez might’ve dismissed any urgency around fight prep, when he discusses the matchup, his words become crisp, concentrated, and quietly terrifying. According to him, Jack Della Maddalena may be the champion now, but he has yet to face a force like Islam Makhachev.

Mendez, like the rest of us, was focused on UFC 315 because he knew the outcome would determine Makhachev’s next chapter. While JDM outstruck Belal Muhammad and appeared quick on his feet, Coach Mendez did not appear shaken. Instead, he laid it out clearly: Della Maddalena is in for a whole new level of difficulty. “Islam’s a whole different animal than Jack’s ever been involved with,” he told Submission Radio.

It was not dismissive; it was declarative. Javier Mendez even stated that the contest piqued his interest since it is precisely the type of history-making goal that inspires Islam Makhachev. Nonetheless, this was not a naïve statement of superiority. Mendez handed Della Maddalena his flowers, acknowledging that he is a deadly striker and a menace on the ground. But then he made it clear where the true threat was. “Can he take Jack down? Absolutely. Can he outstrike Jack? Absolutely. But is it wise to try to outstrike him like I feel we can? I don’t know; it may not be.”

That’s typical Mendez—direct, strategic, and brutally honest. He recognizes the skill differences, but he also understands the risk. It explains why Team Khabib is so methodical in everything they do. When they strike, they strike with intent—and Jack Della Maddalena better be prepared when that time comes. What do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.

 

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