Makhachev Conquers Welterweight: Dominates Della Maddalena at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev Conquers Welterweight Championship at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev fulfilled his goal of becoming a two-division champion by dominating Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds in the main event of UFC 322, held at Madison Square Garden in New York. 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, adding his sixteenth consecutive victory. In addition, he extended his undefeated streak to a decade, accumulating 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control over Della Maddalena. This is the dream. All my life I have fought for this. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev delivered a dominant performance, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling to neutralize Della Maddalena. The champion’s initial determination turned into frustration as the fight 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 on the mat for long periods. Although 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 with an initial takedown.

My life has changed. I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do whatever I want. He made tonight easy.
Islam Makhachev

Makhachev controlled every aspect of the fight, outstriking Della Maddalena 123-32, utilizing effective calf kicks that hindered the champion’s movement. His control on top was too much for Della Maddalena, who spent much of the fight trying to get up and avoid being caught in a submission. Della Maddalena, possibly resigned to defeat in the third round, refused to be finished by Makhachev, who imposed his strategy.

This was my plan, and it’s no secret. All my opponents know it, but nobody can stop it.
Islam Makhachev

After establishing himself as one of the best lightweight fighters in UFC history, Makhachev will begin a new stage in the welterweight division, which has dynamic contenders.

Islam Makhachev y Jack Della Maddalena en el octágono — Islam Makhachev derrotó a Jack Della Maddalena en el evento principal del sábado, superándolo en golpes por 123-32 y acumulando 19:10 de tiempo de control.

Previously, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales achieved impressive finishes, solidifying their aspirations as title contenders. The most anticipated fight is the match between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria, after Makhachev’s victory, expressed his confidence in being able to defeat one of the best fighters in the world. Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria after the match, he did express his desire for his next fight to take place at a major event.