‘’I’m gonna go in there, I’m gonna outbox Jack, I’m not gonna shoot one takedown, and I’m gonna show him the meaning of Canelo hands.” These were the exact words of Belal Muhammad before his fight with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. However, this game plan backfired for the former champion, and JDM outstriked him to clinch the belt in the closely contested bout. But Islam Makhachev isn’t going to make the same mistake as revealed by his coach, Javier Mendez. The Dagestani fighter is going for a second belt in his career, but his game plan will not revolve around the strengths of the champion.

Maddalena put on a striking clinic at UFC 315, connecting with 132 significant strikes throughout the fight. He showcased sharp precision, targeting the head with 119 of those shots, while also mixing in 11 strikes to the body and 2 to the legs. In total, he threw 318 significant strikes, landing 178 of them, a testament to both his volume and accuracy inside the Octagon. One of the biggest strengths of Makhachev has always been his ground game, but his boxing is second to none. The legendary coach also feels that he has the power to knock out the champion.

However, he won’t be making the same mistake as Muhammad and will use a mix of his weapons in his title fight. Mendez, while speaking on the Javier and Mo show, made it clear that wrestling will be their game plan walking into the fight. He said, “Correct, I would prefer that. But let’s see what we can or can’t do. I believe he can. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen him do some mates. So, not to Jack, but also, you know, I believe Jack can knock us out, too. You know. Jack is too dangerous. He’s got dangerous kicks, dangerous hands, and he’s not easy to take down. He’s ground game is very good to.” The 28-year-old, without a doubt, has grabbed the attention of many with his last performance.

Moreover, he is not quite worried about the hype surrounding his next opponent. Rather, he is looking forward to it. For weeks, Maddalena had been vocal about who he wanted next, and it was none other than the Dagestani fighter. To make it even bigger, he made it clear where he wanted it to happen—under the bright lights of the legendary Madison Square Garden. But Coach Mendez feels the Dagestani fighter will be a tough ask for Maddalena.

Coach Javier Mendez feels Islam Makhachev is miles ahead of Maddalena

Team Khabib might come across as calm and composed, but don’t mistake their quiet confidence for complacency. Coach Javier Mendez may downplay any rush to prepare, but when he talks about the matchup, his tone sharpens—measured, focused, and subtly intimidating. In his view, Jack Della Maddalena may be holding the belt for now, but he’s never dealt with a force like Islam Makhachev. Like everyone else, Coach Mendez had his eyes on UFC 315, fully aware that the result would shape the next chapter in Islam Makhachev’s journey.

Jack Della Maddalena may have impressed with his sharp striking and nimble footwork against Belal Muhammad, but Mendes wasn’t fazed. Instead, he responded with calm clarity, laying out his thoughts without a hint of doubt. While speaking on the Submission Radio show, he said, “Islam’s a whole different animal than Jack’s ever been involved with. 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 classic Javier Mendez—straightforward, calculated, and unflinchingly honest. He sees the gap in skills but doesn’t ignore the danger that comes with it. It’s that awareness that fuels Team Khabib’s meticulous approach—every move, every decision, made with purpose and precision.

When Team Khabib makes their move, it’s never by accident—it’s with purpose and precision. And when that moment comes, Jack Della Maddalena better be ready. So, who do you think holds the upper hand in the clash? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.