When Ian Garry made his bold statement about Jack Della Maddalena, few in the MMA world expected the Irish star to go all in with his prediction. “He’s got the power to end it,” Garry declared, referring to Della Maddalena’s striking ability and potential to knock out Islam Makhachev — the reigning lightweight champion known for his dominance and tactical brilliance. The comment sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community, sparking debates, excitement, and disbelief in equal measure.

As Garry spoke about Della Maddalena’s rise, his words reflected not only confidence but also an underlying truth about where the UFC’s next generation is heading. This article takes an in-depth look at Garry’s statement, the fighting styles of both athletes, and whether Della Maddalena genuinely has what it takes to end the reign of one of the UFC’s most strategic fighters.

The Rise of Jack Della Maddalena: From Underdog to Contender

Jack Della Maddalena, the Australian sensation, has become one of the most exciting names in the UFC welterweight division. His rise has been meteoric — a blend of raw talent, composure under fire, and knockout power that few fighters can match.

From his early days fighting in regional promotions in Australia to making his mark on the global stage, Della Maddalena’s journey is one of perseverance and evolution. His boxing-heavy style, coupled with his precision and ability to stay calm in exchanges, has turned him into one of the sport’s most feared strikers.

Analysts often compare him to a young Robbie Lawler, with cleaner technique and sharper defensive instincts. Della Maddalena’s knack for finishing fights early has made him a fan favorite and a potential threat to anyone across divisions. His record of multiple first-round knockouts stands as a testament to his striking precision and finishing ability.

But what truly sets Della Maddalena apart is his mental composure. Even when faced with adversity, he maintains a calm, calculating demeanor — a trait that has earned him the nickname of a “silent assassin” inside the Octagon.

Islam Makhachev: The Master Technician

On the other side of the cage, Islam Makhachev remains a puzzle that few have been able to solve. The Dagestani champion has established himself as one of the most complete fighters in the UFC, following in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov while forging a unique identity of his own.

Makhachev’s style is grounded in elite wrestling and grappling, built upon the relentless pressure that has become a hallmark of Dagestani fighters. However, unlike Khabib, Makhachev combines his grappling with exceptional striking accuracy, footwork, and timing. His evolution into a well-rounded fighter makes him an even more dangerous opponent than many initially anticipated.

Under the tutelage of coach Javier Mendez at American Kickboxing Academy, Makhachev has refined his stand-up game to complement his world-class ground control. His victory over former champions and elite contenders alike has cemented his reputation as the most dominant lightweight of his era.

Garry’s Prediction: The Confidence Behind the Claim

When Ian Garry stated that “He’s got the power to end it,” he was not just hyping up a fellow fighter — he was making a technical observation rooted in understanding. Garry, known for his analytical fight IQ, pointed out that Della Maddalena’s striking power could be the ultimate equalizer in a fight against Makhachev.

“Islam is brilliant, no doubt about it,” Garry said in a recent interview. “But Jack hits like a truck. If he lands clean, anyone goes down — even Makhachev.”

The statement resonated with fans who have long debated whether a pure striker with knockout potential could overcome the relentless grappling machine that is Makhachev. Garry’s words add fuel to that debate, raising the question: Could a fighter like Della Maddalena, with pinpoint striking and ruthless finishing instinct, crack the code?

A Clash of Styles: Striker vs. Grappler

At the heart of this hypothetical battle lies the classic striker vs. grappler dynamic — one of the oldest and most fascinating matchups in combat sports.

Della Maddalena’s strength lies in his boxing precision, head movement, and ability to counter. He has an uncanny talent for finding openings and delivering devastating combinations with both speed and accuracy. His left hook and overhand right are particularly lethal, capable of turning the lights out in an instant.

However, against someone like Islam Makhachev, the challenge becomes how to maintain distance and resist the takedown pressure. Makhachev’s control in the clinch, his timing on level changes, and his ability to trap opponents against the fence could nullify Della Maddalena’s offensive rhythm.

But Garry believes Della Maddalena’s takedown defense and striking distance control have evolved enough to give him a fighting chance. “He’s not the same guy he was two years ago,” Garry noted. “Jack has been training with high-level wrestlers, learning to manage range, and improving his ability to fight off his back foot. That’s what could make this fight interesting.”

Makhachev’s Path to Victory

For Islam Makhachev, the key to victory lies in staying true to his game plan: control, suffocate, and dominate. He will likely look to close the distance immediately, force Della Maddalena against the fence, and impose his wrestling advantage.

His top control and submission awareness make him lethal once the fight hits the mat. Against someone with Della Maddalena’s striking danger, Makhachev’s best strategy is to avoid prolonged exchanges on the feet and instead wear down his opponent through pressure and positional control.

Makhachev’s improved striking also means he can mix in punches and kicks effectively to set up his takedowns. His composure and fight IQ allow him to adapt mid-fight, something that has frustrated even the most seasoned opponents.

Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions

Following Garry’s comment, social media erupted with fan theories and fight breakdowns. Some dismissed the idea outright, labeling it as promotional talk, while others saw merit in Garry’s assessment.

Former fighters and analysts weighed in as well. Many agreed that while Della Maddalena’s power is undeniable, Makhachev’s ability to neutralize opponents makes such an outcome unlikely — but not impossible.

“Makhachev is elite, but power is the great equalizer,” one analyst noted. “If Della Maddalena lands clean, even a technician like Islam could be in trouble.”

This sentiment reflects the unpredictable nature of MMA — where a single punch can change everything, no matter how dominant the champion.

What This Fight Symbolizes for the UFC

Beyond the stylistic intrigue, a hypothetical clash between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena represents a new era for the UFC’s global expansion. It showcases how talent from different continents — from the mountains of Dagestan to the coasts of Australia — can come together in a sport that celebrates diversity through discipline and competition.

It also highlights the growing evolution of fighters who no longer fit into a single category. Della Maddalena is not just a striker; he’s developing a complete arsenal. Similarly, Makhachev is not just a grappler; he’s a tactician who understands timing and distance.

As Garry pointed out, the new generation of fighters is defined by adaptability. The line between striker and grappler is fading, replaced by the hybrid athlete who can do it all.

Garry’s Belief: A Symbol of Faith in Power

When Ian Garry speaks about Della Maddalena’s chances, it reflects more than technical belief — it symbolizes faith in power and precision. In a sport where one moment can redefine legacies, Garry’s confidence carries weight.

His own success in the UFC has been built on striking accuracy and timing, qualities he sees mirrored in Della Maddalena. To Garry, this is not just a prediction — it’s an acknowledgment of what makes MMA so captivating: the possibility that one perfect punch can rewrite history.

The “What If” That Captures the Imagination

Fans may never know if Della Maddalena and Makhachev will meet in the Octagon. The weight class differences and ongoing championship storylines make it a long shot. Yet the mere idea — a powerful striker against an unstoppable grappler — captures the imagination of every MMA fan.

It’s the kind of matchup that defines eras and fuels conversations long after the fights are over. Just as Garry’s words continue to echo across social media, the possibility of such a battle reminds fans why they love the sport — for its unpredictability and raw, human drama.

Can Power Truly End Perfection?

“He’s got the power to end it.” These words from Ian Garry summarize the eternal question in combat sports: Can raw power overcome technical perfection?

For Jack Della Maddalena, the journey is far from over. Whether he ever faces Islam Makhachev or not, his rise represents the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the UFC. And for Makhachev, the challenge remains to prove that skill, discipline, and preparation can withstand even the most dangerous punch.

In the end, Garry’s statement isn’t just about Della Maddalena or Makhachev — it’s about the essence of fighting itself. Every contest, every exchange, every risk taken in the cage reflects the same truth: in MMA, anything can happen. And sometimes, all it takes is one clean shot to end it all.