Jack Della Maddalena explains why his size advantage over "fresher, bigger, stronger" Islam Makhachev won't help at UFC 322 

Jack Della Maddalena doesn't believe that his size advantage over Islam Makhachev would help him win at UFC 322 later this month. The Australian recently shared his thoughts on his upcoming title fight against Makhachev and broke down why their size difference won't increase his chances of winning.

After Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision at UFC 315 in May to win the welterweight title, Makhachev vacated the lightweight throne and confirmed his move up to the 170-pound division.

Given that Makhachev will be fighting at a heavier weight at UFC 322, many have wondered whether Della Maddalena's natural size advantage would be a problem for the Dagestani grappling savant. It appears the Australian doesn't believe so.

In an interview with New York Post Sports, the reigning welterweight king claimed that the heavier weight would benefit Makhachev and dismissed the notion that he had an edge:

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"I think it’s going to be better for Islam. I think cutting weight, you leave a lot of yourself out in the cuts. So I expect the best Islam coming up, he'll be fresher, bigger, stronger... I don’t think I’m very big; it’s not a crazy weight cut for me. I can sneak a few slices of pizza in today and still make weight fine. I think I’m a good-sized welterweight."

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Dan Hooker previews Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev title fight

Dan Hooker recently shared his thoughts on the Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev title fight. The lightweight slugger believes dealing with Della Maddalena's size advantage would prove to be a challenge for Makhachev.

In an interview with Home of Fight, Hooker backed Della Maddalena to beat Makhachev:

"Jack Della, that's a big boy. I've stood next to Jack Della a few times, and you could chop one of his legs and he's still not going to make lightweight. He is a legitimate welterweight problem. And that takes away a lot of Islam's advantages, but coming in there being a big lightweight, being a strong lightweight it kind of levels the playing field a bit."

He continued:

"I lean with [Della Maddalena beating Makhachev]. He obviously showed that he is highly capable of fighting a wrestler in the Belal [Muhammad] fight, and that's a very strong wrestler in itself... He is smart about it, he knows you can't avoid the wrestling, you have to meet it head on, you have to lead the wrestling, you have to counter wrestle with him."

Edited by Nishant Zende.