Islam Makhachev fulfilled his goal of becoming a two-division champion on Saturday night. At UFC 322, held at Madison Square Garden in New York, Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds, securing the welterweight championship by unanimous decision. The three judges awarded the victory to Makhachev with a score of 50-45. With this victory, Makhachev (28-1) tied Anderson Silva’s record in the UFC, achieving his sixteenth consecutive victory. In addition, he added 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control over Della Maddalena to his impressive undefeated streak of a decade. This is the dream. I have fought for this all my life. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev’s performance was suffocating, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling to stifle Della Maddalena. The champion, who entered the fight with a frown, saw this gesture change to an expression of defeat as the rounds progressed. Della Maddalena (18-3), who hadn’t lost since his first two professional MMA fights in 2016, had won the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad in May. However, he couldn’t handle Makhachev, who secured every takedown he attempted and kept the Australian fighter’s back glued to the canvas for long periods.
Even though Makhachev was the favorite, there was some concern about Della Maddalena’s size and boxing. These concerns quickly dissipated, as Makhachev controlled Della Maddalena’s offense from the start with a takedown, securing his dominant position.
My life has changed. I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do what I want. He made tonight easy. Makhachev controlled every aspect of the fight, outstriking Della Maddalena 123-32 in strikes, thanks to a series of calf kicks that weakened the champion. Makhachev’s superior control was too much for Della Maddalena, who spent much of the fight trying to get up and avoid being caught in a submission. Although Della Maddalena could have resigned himself to defeat in the third round, he refused to be finished. However, Makhachev maintained control.After establishing himself as one of the best lightweight fighters in UFC history, Makhachev will begin a new stage in the welterweight division, where he will face a series of dynamic fighters.This was my plan, and it’s no secret. All my opponents know it, but nobody can stop it.
Islam Makhachev
You are the most boring in this game. Every day I am more sure that I am going to put you to sleep.
Ilia Topuria
Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria immediately after, he did reveal where he would like his next fight to be.
Open the White House. I’m coming for it.
Islam Makhachev
