Dana White recently responded to the boos aimed at Jack Della Maddalena during the UFC 322 pre-fight press conference. Fans in attendance vocally supported Islam Makhachev, while booing the reigning welterweight champion.
White shared his thoughts on the situation. He made it clear that the boos were not about the Australian’s personality or fighting style. Instead, the UFC CEO believes the crowd reaction was influenced by Makhachev’s strong support from the large Muslim community in New York.
In an interview with Fox Sports Australia, White pointed out Makhachev’s ties to Khabib Nurmagomedov. He said their relationship, as well as his career success, made him a favorite among the crowd.
“There’s a huge Muslim community out here in New York, but also you have to look at the fact that Islam [Makhachev] is looked at as one of the best ever and moving up and trying to beat a guy at [welterweight],” White said. “The whole Dagestan and Khabib [Nurmagomedov connection], the camp that they have out there…I’m sure Jack [Della Maddalena] is feeling it.”
He emphasized that the Dagestani had a home field advantage due to the large Muslim population in New York. Despite the boos, Della Maddalena appeared to be unaffected and stayed confident.
Dana White Believes Jack Della Maddalena is Being Overlooked
Dana White also expressed his thoughts on the odds for the UFC 322 headliner between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. He believes the welterweight champion is being overlooked, especially given his recent performance.
Della Maddalena captured the welterweight championship after a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. His takedown defense has improved significantly, which could be a challenge for the former lightweight champion.
Makhachev is moving up in weight for the fight. He will face a larger opponent than he is used to at lightweight. White noted that despite ‘JDM’s impressive record, many are still favor Makhachev.
“We did a deal with [Polymarket] this morning, and they were showing me the stuff, and it was 78 percent [in favor] of Islam. It’s almost like Jack is getting no respect,” White told Fox Sports Australia. “[Della Maddalena] hasn’t lost in 10 years, he’s on an 18-fight win streak, and he just beat Belal Muhammad, who gave everybody hell.”
Della Maddalena enters UFC 322 with an 18-2 MMA record, while Makhachev record stands at 27-1.
White Explains How a Win Over Makhachev Could Elevate Della Maddalena
White also discussed how a win over Makhachev could elevate Della Maddalena’s career and legacy. Many see the welterweight champion as an underdog by. However, White believes he has the skill and power to spoil the Dagestani’s plans.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, White explained that a victory over Makhachev would finally earn Della Maddalena the respect he deserves. The UFC CEO disagreed with the oddsmakers and believes the fight is much more even than fans think.
“This fight is a lot closer than people are giving it credit for. [Della Maddalena is] at that point in his career, came off the Contender Series,” White said. “Obviously, [he’s] been very successful, the fight of his life is Saturday night. And if he wins this fight, I think you’ll see it flip, and he’ll start getting a lot more respect.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dana White Addresses Jack Della Maddalena Being Booed at UFC 322 Press Conference appeared first on Heavy Sports.