“I’m Going To Be His Worst Nightmare”: UFC Welterweight Star Declares Himself Islam Makhachev’s Worst Nightmare Not Jack Della Maddalena

Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena

Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena

Fans are buzzing about Islam Makhachev’s upcoming move to welterweight and his confirmed title shot against Jack Della Maddalena, as announced by his manager. However, not everyone in the division is giving the former lightweight champion the respect he’s used to. UFC welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley believes he poses a far greater threat to Makhachev than JDM.

Buckley began taking shots at Islam Makhachev shortly after Belal Muhammad’s loss at UFC 315. ‘New Mansa’ accused the former lightweight champ of celebrating Muhammad’s defeat, sparking a wave of tension between the two. Now, Buckley is doubling down, issuing a warning to Makhachev about stepping into the welterweight division. Confident in his abilities, Buckley claims he’ll put on a show if they ever meet inside the Octagon. Speaking to ‘Parry Punch,’ Buckley said:

“Even though Islam and I have never had a connection, he’s going to know a lot about me if we ever get booked to fight. The people he has struggled with and the people that have shown a couple of holes in his game — I’m going to be his worst nightmare, not JDM.”

Buckley mentioned that JDM has several holes in his game that Islam Makhachev can easily exploit. However, he believes he’s a far more dangerous opponent. Referring to his dominant performance against Colby Covington. Buckley said even Khabib Nurmagomedov would probably advise Islam not to move up to welterweight.

Derek Brunson Advises Islam Makhachev To Avoid Welterweight As New Threat Emerges

Ex UFC Star Derek Brunson Mocks Fans

Anderson Silva and Derek Brunson

The UFC is heating up as champions chase bigger challenges by moving up weight classes. Islam Makhachev has officially vacated his lightweight title to join the welterweight division, with a potential fight against new champ Jack Della Maddalena looming. However, UFC veteran Derek Brunson thinks Makhachev should think twice. On X, Brunson posted:

“The UFC welterweight division right now JACK MADDALENA, SEAN BRADY, SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV, IAN GARRY, JOAQUIN BUCKLEY & MICHAEL MORALES. A lot of young talent and potentially fun fights . It’s not too late to tell Islam he has to stay at 155.”

With rising stars surging, many believe Makhachev will have his hands full if he moves up. Still, fans could see the Dagestani fighter compete for the welterweight title as early as October or November.