Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

The UFC welterweight champion is not short on confidence.

Jack Della Maddalena is fast approaching his first defense of the 170-pound title since winning it from Belal Muhammad in upset fashion this past May.

The Australian striker will face a test from below in his reign’s first hurdle, as Islam Makhachev challenges Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 322 after vacating the lightweight throne earlier this year.

Many are expecting to see a gulf in ability when it comes to the grappling exchanges, but the champ has suggested that his Dagestani rival will be shocked by the defense his takedowns are met with.

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Jack Della Maddalena promises to ‘surprise’ Islam Makhachev with his grappling

Della Maddalena has become known for his technical and powerful boxing since breaking through on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

On the face of it, that presents a classic striker vs. grappler matchup at Madison Square Garden on November 15. Or does it?

During a recent interview with Fox Sports Australia, the reigning welterweight champion mentioned his work with Craig Jones while touting his underrated all-around skills.

“I think the grappling,” Della Maddalena said when asked which area he thinks Makhachev will be underestimating him in.

“In his mind, he will be thinking take me down, hold me down, and submit me. So I think in the grappling, I will be able to surprise him.

“The right techniques for his sort of A-game will throw him off a bit,” he continued.

“I believe we will spend a lot of this fight on the feet.”

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Fans split after Jack Della Maddalena expresses confidence about grappling Islam Makhachev

Fans quickly reacted to Della Maddalena’s latest confident statement regarding his upcoming first welterweight title defense.

Many seemingly had their pro-Makhachev predictions cemented, with one suggesting the Australian is in for a “rude awakening” when he comes up against the challenger’s grappling.

“Didn’t DDP (Dricus du Plessis) say the same thing and we all saw what Khamzat (Chimaev) did to him.”

“This video is going triple platinum when Islam subs JDM in 1.”

“Islam is going to smoke him.”

“I know he believes this, but it just isn’t happening.”

“For some reason this is giving me déjà vu of what DDP said vs Khamzat. Hope I’m wrong and we get a good contest with a worthy winner.”

“Ahh..JDM really in for a rude awakening.”

Others, though, are backing the champion to prove his comments right on fight night at MSG.

“JDM’s shown his grappling and how solid he is fundamentally.”

“I see the fight going exactly like how Islam vs Poirier (did). Round 1-3 mostly stand up.”

“This fight is going to be absolute cinema.”

“We believe in you JDM.”

“Islam struggled with Volk in the first fight.”