UFC 322 LIVE: Israel Adesanya tips second-round knockout for Jack Della Maddalena in blockbuster title fight

Israel Adesanya is tipping an upset in this afternoon’s main event, with the former UFC champion backing the Australian to get the job done.

Della Maddalena will head into the bout with Makhachev as the underdog, but according to Adesanya, his striking could overwhelm the former lightweight king.

“I think Jack, in this fight with Islam, is just do what he does — do what he did [against Belal Muhammad], but better,” Adesanya said.

“Just overwhelm him with punishment on the feet. Islam’s not going to want to stand with Jack. He’s going to stand with him and then realise ‘I need to shoot because this is where I’m supposed to win’ … and then he can’t keep Jack down.

“I think striking wise, Islam can definitely leg kick, can definitely jab him, but I don’t think he’s going to hurt him. I’m not trying to count Islam out but I just know Jack. I know that when Jack keeps getting up, it’s going to be a problem.

“I really think Jack Della Maddalena has the skills to stifle Islam’s game and be able to just put on the feet and knock him out — might be second round, might be third.”

Today’s bout marks the first time Makhachev has competed at welterweight, having previously swept the competition at the 155lb weight limit.

Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev Getty