Dustin Poirier Identifies Takedown Defense as Decisive Factor in UFC 322 Main Event

As anticipation builds for UFC 322, former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has offered a critical assessment of the upcoming main event, emphasizing takedown defense as the pivotal element. The highly anticipated clash will see reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena defend his title for the first time against former lightweight king Islam Makhachev at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, marking a significant event in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s calendar.

Poirier, who faced Makhachev in a gruelling five-round contest at UFC 302 in June 2024, provides a unique perspective, having experienced Makhachev’s formidable grappling prowess firsthand. Despite a valiant effort, "The Diamond" ultimately succumbed to a submission in the fifth round, delivering what many considered one of Makhachev’s toughest challenges to date. This direct experience informs Poirier’s analysis, lending weight to his breakdown of the welterweight title fight.

"I’m excited for [Makhachev]," Poirier stated in an interview with MMA Fighting. "He made history. He’s trying to continue making history. I’m going to be there in attendance with Bud Light for that event at Madison Square Garden, so [I’m] excited to see that in person." His attendance underscores the magnitude of the event, which is poised to be a significant moment for both fighters and the sport.

The core of Poirier’s analysis revolves around the stylistic matchup, particularly focusing on Della Maddalena’s ability to counter Makhachev’s dominant wrestling. "To pick a fighter in this one, I think both guys are great at certain things," Poirier elaborated. "It’s all going to come down to the takedown defense of JDM. If he can get back up to his feet, if he can use the fence, or stay off the fence, use his boxing, I think he definitely could give Islam a lot of troubles in the center of the octagon. He’s a great striker. He’s big and powerful." This highlights the classic striker versus grappler narrative that often defines high-stakes MMA contests.

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Jack Della Maddalena, known to fans as "JDM," enters this championship bout following a remarkable ascent through the welterweight ranks. He captured the welterweight title at UFC 315 in May 2025, securing a hard-fought decision victory over Belal Muhammad in a contest widely hailed as a "Fight of the Year" contender. This win solidified his position at the top of the division and extended his professional mixed martial arts winning streak to an impressive 18 consecutive fights. Within the UFC, Della Maddalena boasts an unblemished record of 8-0, demonstrating consistent performance and an aggressive, precise striking style that has endeared him to fans. His path to the title included notable victories over formidable opponents, showcasing his power, technical boxing, and resilience. This championship defense marks his first opportunity to cement his legacy as a dominant force in the welterweight division against one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.

Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. The 34-year-old Dagestani phenom vacated his lightweight title to pursue the unprecedented challenge of becoming a two-division champion. His reign at lightweight was characterized by absolute dominance, culminating in four successful title defenses. His journey to the lightweight throne began with a submission victory over Charles Oliveira, followed by two decisive wins against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, further solidifying his status as one of the most dominant fighters in contemporary MMA. Makhachev’s most recent outing saw him dispatch short-notice challenger Renato Moicano with efficiency at UFC 311 in January 2025, a bout necessitated by the last-minute withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan from the event’s headliner. Makhachev’s professional record features a staggering 15-fight winning streak, a testament to his exceptional grappling, powerful ground-and-pound, and ever-improving striking. His quest for a second divisional title places him in an exclusive club of UFC legends who have achieved or attempted such a feat, including Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo.

Poirier’s direct experience with Makhachev offers valuable insights into the latter’s physical attributes, particularly regarding the transition to welterweight. While a move up a weight class typically implies a significant size and strength disadvantage for the lighter fighter, Poirier dismisses this notion for Makhachev. "A lot of times we think about a lightweight going up to welterweight – it’s a 15-pound weight difference," Poirier noted. "But Islam is not a small man. He’s not short. I don’t know, maybe he’s 5’11”, and he’s big. He’s a big guy. It’s not like he’s having to put on years of muscle to make this leap to the next weight class, he’s a guy who’s been holding his body back from naturally being bigger like he wants to be so he can compete in the lightweight division."

This assessment suggests that Makhachev will not be physically overwhelmed by the welterweight division’s contenders, an important factor given the typical size advantages at 170 pounds. "He’s going to fill into this weight class, and he’s not going to look like a lightweight moving up to welterweight. He’s going to look like a solid welterweight in a title fight," Poirier asserted, emphasizing Makhachev’s natural frame and potential to comfortably compete at the higher weight class.

The strategic implications of this physical assessment reinforce Poirier’s initial hypothesis: the fight’s outcome hinges on Della Maddalena’s grappling defense. Makhachev’s strength and wrestling acumen, combined with his projected comfortable transition to welterweight, will make his takedown attempts potent. However, Della Maddalena’s ability to remain upright, utilize the octagon fence to prevent being held down, and leverage his dynamic striking in open space will be crucial.

"But it’s going to come down to his ability to get takedowns and hold JDM down. If JDM can get back up over and over and scramble, I think he’s going to give Islam a lot of problems with the exchanges of boxing," Poirier concluded. This reiterates the high-stakes chess match expected to unfold, where every successful takedown defense or swift scramble back to the feet could shift momentum in favor of the champion. Conversely, sustained ground control by Makhachev would severely limit Della Maddalena’s offensive output and increase the probability of a submission or ground-and-pound stoppage.

UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, a venue synonymous with historic combat sports events, sets the stage for a compelling narrative. Della Maddalena seeks to establish a dominant reign, while Makhachev aims to etch his name into the annals of UFC history as a rare two-division champion. The clash of styles, combined with the profound implications for both fighters’ legacies, makes this welterweight title bout one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, with Dustin Poirier’s analysis providing a clear roadmap to the potential deciding factors.