“American people have guns” - Islam Makhachev jokes about carrying a weapon at UFC 322 title fight

Islam Makhachev returns to action at UFC 322. [Image courtesy: Getty]
Islam Makhachev returns to action at UFC 322. [Image courtesy: Getty]

Islam Makhachev kept the mood light this week when he joked about carrying a knife into his title fight with Jack Della Maddalena. The former UFC lightweight champion mimicked pulling out a blade while talking to teammate and former UFC fighter Josh Thomson.

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He later laughed it off with a line about Americans already being armed. Makhachev said:

“I’m gonna go like this Saturday... American people have guns.”

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below:

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The main event of UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden will see Makhachev step up to 170 pounds to face Della Maddalena. The Australian enters as the reigning welterweight king after outpointing Belal Muhammad in May.

He showcased elite boxing skills, precision body work, and sharp defensive awareness to capture the welterweight title. His ability to maintain range, coupled with solid defensive grappling skills and scrimmages under Craig Jones' guidance, has made him one of the most complete fighters on the roster.

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Makhachev, meanwhile, brings a contrasting threat. The Dagestani’s grappling control, smothering top pressure, and transition-heavy style have overwhelmed nearly every opponent he has faced. His durability, cardio, and tactical discipline make him a formidable opponent over five rounds.


Michael Chandler backs Jack Della Maddalena’s power to trouble Islam Makhachev at UFC 322

Michael Chandler sees danger waiting for Islam Makhachev at UFC 322. The former UFC lightweight title contender believes Jack Della Maddalena’s power at welterweight could test Makhachev in ways few have.

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Della Maddalena’s crisp boxing and pressure have made him a nightmare for opponents, while Makhachev’s grappling dominance remains his biggest weapon. Chandler expects Makhachev to rely on his wrestling once he feels the difference in power, but gives the champion a narrow edge.

Speaking in a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said:

"He's [Della Maddalena] not much of a puzzle. He's pretty basic, but he is brilliant and violent, and devastating with the basics. [He has] a little bit of range, a little bit of reach on Islam. Islam's a different breed. I wouldn't sit there and say he's a 155'er, so he's not used to going with 170-pounders. I would not be surprised if Islam's entire career, he's sparred with 155, 170, 185 and 205'ers because the dude's kind of a nut. So I don't think strength or size is going to be a problem."
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He added:

"It's going to be interesting. I think Islam's going to get tagged up a couple times, and we're going to see if he goes to that wrestling pretty quick. But I think JDM's a monster. I give JDM the slight nod on that one, but I wouldn't be surprised if Islam is holding that belt."

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Edited by Abhishek Nambiar
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