Latest news with #UFC284
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Jack Della Maddalena sees Islam Makhachev's striking 'easier' than Belal Muhammad's
Why Jack Della Maddalena sees Islam Makhachev's striking 'easier' than Belal Muhammad's UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena points out the differences in Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad's game. Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) dethroned Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) to become welterweight champion in the UFC 315 headliner earlier this month in Montreal. With Makhachev vacating his UFC lightweight title for a move up to 170 pounds, he is expected to challenge Della Maddalena later in the year. While Della Maddalena sees Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) as the better overall fighter than Muhammad, he explains why he sees his striking as less of a problem. "I think Islam Makhachev is a better version of Belal," Maddalena told "The West Sport." "I think his striking on the feet is easier than Belal, because he'll stay in one stance. He's more a traditional style. But yeah, he's a pound-for-pound No. 1, so it's a tough fight. But we'll watch all his fights again, make a solid game plan and just start working on it from pretty much now." Della Maddalena will likely have to impose a similar game plan as his fight with Muhammad, where he was able to stuff the majority of his takedowns and outstrike him on the feet. "I'm going to start working on ways to beat him, different ways to get back on my feet and stuffing the takedown," Della Maddalena continued. "But I'm pretty confident I can get this one done. After the last two fights, I've spent a bit of my time in Wollongong. So yeah, I think probably the first stop, we go to Wollongong, talk to Volk, see what he reckons." Volkanovski fought Makhachev twice in UFC lightweight title bouts. Although he lost both times, he was able to push Makhachev to the brink in their first fight at UFC 284.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jack Della Maddalena feels good about Islam Makhachev fight: 'I could take him out'
Jack Della Maddalena feels good about Islam Makhachev fight: 'I could take him out' UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena doesn't believe Islam Makhachev can stand with him. Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) put on a striking masterclass when he dethroned Belal Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) to become welterweight champion in Saturday's UFC 315 headliner at Bell Centre in Montreal. His first title defense will come against Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), who vacated the lightweight title as he's been eager to claim a second UFC belt. If Della Maddalena can keep the fight on the feet like he did against Muhammad, he likes his chances of finishing Makhachev. "I'm sure people are just going to assume that Islam will just take me down and submit me pretty quickly," Della Maddalena said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "He seems like a pretty big guy. I think he'll be all right. ... I think I can take him out. "Belal really just changes stance a lot, walks forward, but I think if I can have someone that just stays in the same stance, I don't think Islam's a very good striker. I think I could land a lot of shots, and I think I could take him out. Stuff the takedowns, if I get taken down, I believe I can get back to my feet." Della Maddalena plans on seeking help from UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who pushed Makhachev to the brink in their first title fight at UFC 284. 'I'm going to spend a bit of time with Volk," Della Maddalena said. "If I was going to fight Islam, yeah, I would have to. I did (train with Volkanovski) before my last two fights. Both times about a week, a week to 10 days, but it was real beneficial. They've got a great team. Volk's obviously the man, and he's a multiple-time world champion." Makhachev had a message for Della Maddalena after his fight on X: "You are not Volk I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean."
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jack Della Maddalena declares war on Islam Makhachev after KO of Aussie superstar
Jack Della Maddalena declares war on Islam Makhachev after KO of Aussie superstar (Image Source: Getty Images) Key highlights Jack Della Maddalena eyes a superfight with Makhachev, fueled by Volkanovski's losses. Volkanovski predicts a Makhachev move to welterweight if Maddalena beats Muhammad. Maddalena first faces Muhammad at UFC 315 before any potential superfight. Jack Della Maddalena has his sights firmly set on UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, while looking beyond that bout toward a potential superfight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev . During a recent appearance on The Grin Reapers podcast, Maddalena expressed his desire to not only capture UFC gold but also to avenge his countryman Alexander Volkanovski's losses to Makhachev. The Australian connection provides the impetus for Maddalena's motivation. Alexander Volkanovski claims training partner Jack Della Maddalena is 'Australia's greatest athlete,' with whom he trains. Australian UFC fighters have come together over the national pride and to make amends personally for defeating Volkanovski twice to Islam Makhachev. The rivalry began when Alexander Volkanovski stepped up to lightweight at UFC 284 in early February 2023 and was beaten on decision. Islam Makhachev also ended the Australian champion's career more easily, knocking Alexander Volkanovski out with a head kick in the first round at UFC 294, and did so and it was even again. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo "That would be nice. In Perth. That would be a bit of a story, Volk [revenge]," Maddalena said. "We'll see. Anything's possible. We get through Belal, and then I think, yeah, I guess opportunities will present themselves." Championship aspirations create a potential superfight opportunity Islam Makhachev has reportedly shown interest in moving up to the 170-pound division, but his friendship and training relationship with current champion Belal Muhammad have complicated matters. According to Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev's next move depends heavily on the outcome of UFC 315. "You've got the Belal situation... If Jack Della Maddalena wins that fight, Islam's moving up. Let's be real. Islam [Makhachev] is moving up straight away, " Alexander Volkanovski said on The Ariel Helwani Show. Before any superfight can materialise, Jack Della Maddalena must first overcome the methodical fighting style of Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025, in Montreal. Belal Muhammad has warned that his calculated approach and superior gas tank will prove too much for the Australian challenger. Also Read: UFC chaos: Khamzat Chimaev confirms Dricus Du Plessis' injury news, Paddy Pimblett warns Belal Muhammad, Alex Pereira becomes viral bunny With Australia's growing influence in the UFC, Jack Della Maddalena now carries the hopes of an entire nation as he aims to join the ranks of Australian champions while potentially setting up a revenge match against one of the sport's most dominant forces. Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
USA Today
12-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC 314: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Freire odds, picks and predictions
In a 3-round featherweight bout on the main card, Yair Rodriguez and Patricio Freire meet at UFC 314 Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's odds around the UFC 314: Rodriguez vs. Freire odds, and make our expert picks and predictions. The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Disney+), while the prelims start at 8 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+) with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. (Pay-per-view). Records: Rodriguez (20-6-0) | Freire (36-7-0) Rodriguez, a former champ, has dropped each of his past 2 bouts. He topped Josh Emmett at UFC 284 with a Round 2 submission to snatch the belt. However, he was dropped via KO/TKO in Round 3 against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 290. He followed that up with a Round 3 submission loss to Brian Ortega in a fight night in late Feb. 2024 in his most recent bout. Freire — nicknamed 'Pitbull' — makes his way to the UFC after a successful run in Bellator. In fact, he won a championship bout at the Bellator Champions Series in Belfast last time out, knocking out Jeremy Kennedy in his most recent fight March 22, 2024. That win halted a slide in the previous 2 bouts. Rodriguez takes the walk with a 5 1/2-inch reach advantage, while he holds a 4.65-to-2.84 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. The difference in significant strikes-accuracy percentage is rather negligible, as is both fighters' work in the takedown average, takedown-accuracy percentage and submission average. It comes down to experience, age and reach advantage, all of which are on the side of the former UFC champ Rodriguez. Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here. UFC 314: Rodriguez vs. Pitbull odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:43 p.m. ET. Fight result (2-way line) : Rodriguez -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Pitbull +130 (bet $100 to win $130) : Rodriguez -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Pitbull +130 (bet $100 to win $130) Total rounds: 2.5 (Over -185 | Under +140) 2.5 (Over -185 | Under +140) Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -150 | No +110) UFC 314: Rodriguez vs. Pitbull picks and predictions RODRIGUEZ (-155) is a good play as a moderate favorite against Pitbull in his UFC debut. The former champ has a ton of experience, but honestly, Freire have a lot of experience, too. Even though his experience was at the Bellator, it has been very good in recent years. However, the reach advantage is the biggest factor, as is youth and quickness. 'El Pantera' is 32 years old, and the former Mexican UFC champ has that 5 1/2-inch reach advantage. Rodriguez will be able to push and pull Pitbull in and out at his discretion, keeping him at a distance, when need be. Over 2.5 Rounds (-185) will cost nearly 2 times the potential return, and that's too much risk and not enough reward. NO (+110): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a good play at plus-money. Rodriguez hasn't gone the distance in the past 4 fights, and Pitbull hasn't needed the help of the judges in his past 2 Bellator fights. As such, let's look for a stoppage in his intriguing UFC battle. RODRIGUEZ BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (+275) will net nearly 3 times the potential return on the 5-way line. Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis. For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.
USA Today
12-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes odds, picks and predictions
In a 5-round featherweight championship bout in the co-main event, Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes meet at UFC 314 Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's odds around the UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes odds, and make our expert picks and predictions. The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Disney+), while the prelims start at 8 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+) with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. (Pay-per-view). Records: Volkanovski (26-4-0) | Lopes (26-6-0) Volkanovski has lost his past 2 title fights, once as a featherweight, and once as a lightweight. He was knocked out after stepping up to lightweight against Islam Makhachev, and he was dropped in Round 2 by Ilia Topuria. The latter vacated the title to scoot up to lightweight, so Volkanovski gets a shot at the title despite losses in his past 2 bouts. The former featherweight champ has dropped 3 of the past 4 fights, and each of the past 3 bouts have ended via KO/TKO with 2 losses. He hasn't gone the distance since a unanimous-decision loss to Makhachev at UFC 284. Lopes enters on a 5-bout win streak, including unanimous-decision wins against Dan Ige and Brian Ortega. The latter was a victory at UFC 306 — Riyadh Season Noche UFC. Lopes heads into this fight with a slight 1-inch advantage, while Volkanovski has a strong 6.16-to-4.20 advantage in significant strikes landed per minute. The difference in accuracy on those strikes is rather negligible. Volkanovski has a 1.78-to-0.50 takedown average lead, although Lopez has an overwhelming 2.76-to-0.18 submission average lead. Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here. UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:09 p.m. ET. Fight result (2-way line) : Volkanovski -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Lopes +130 (bet $100 to win $130) : Volkanovski -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Lopes +130 (bet $100 to win $130) Total rounds: 3.5 (Over -165 | Under +125) 3.5 (Over -165 | Under +125) Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +110 | No -150) UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes picks and predictions VOLKANOVSKI (-155) takes the walk back to the octagon looking to regain his championship form. His ill-fated move to lightweight just didn't work out, and he hasn't lasted long in either of his past 2 outings. This could, potentially, be the end of the road for Volkanovski, at least in terms of another championship shot. He knows how to get the job done, though, and as long as he avoids going to the mat where Lopes is absolutely deadly, the Aussie should be able to get back on top. OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-165) is a solid play. While Volkanovski hasn't lasted long recently against the likes of Makhachev or Topuria, Lopes has ended up going the distance in each of his past 2 fights. YES (+110): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is worth a shot at plus-money. Again, yes, Lopes has ended up going the distance in each of his past 2 fights. The risk here is Volkanovski, who has been involved in knockouts in each of his past 3 fights with a single win. However, in a 12-bout span from June 2017 through Feb. 2023, 8 of 11 fights ended up needing the help of the judges to determine a winner. As such, VOLKANOVSKI ON POINTS (+150) at plus-money is also an attractive play in this title bout. Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis. For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.
