Makhachev Conquers Welterweight: Dominates Della Maddalena at UFC 322

In a historic night at Madison Square Garden in New York, Islam Makhachev fulfilled his promise to become a two-division champion, overcoming Jack Della Maddalena to conquer the welterweight championship at UFC 322. The three judges awarded the victory to Makhachev with a unanimous score of 50-45. Makhachev (28-1) tied Anderson Silva’s UFC record with his sixteenth consecutive victory, adding an impressive ten-year undefeated streak. The Russian fighter accumulated 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control over Della Maddalena. This is the dream. I have fought all my life for this. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev showcased a dominant performance, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling to stifle Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with a determined expression that transformed into defeat as the rounds progressed. Della Maddalena (18-3) hadn’t lost since his first two professional MMA fights in 2016. He had obtained the welterweight title after defeating Belal Muhammad in May, but he couldn’t stand up to 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.

My life has changed. I didn’t have to lose weight. I can do what I want. He made tonight easy. The fight was controlled by Makhachev in all aspects, outstriking Della Maddalena 123-32 in strikes, utilizing calf kicks that hindered the champion’s movement. 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. Della Maddalena, although he may have been resigned to defeat from the third round, refused to be finished. However, Makhachev maintained control.

This was my plan, and it’s no secret. All my opponents know it, but no one 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 a large number of dynamic fighters.

The most anticipated fight is a match between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria targeted Makhachev shortly after Saturday’s victory, showing confidence that he can defeat one of the best fighters in the world. You are the most boring in this game. Every day I am more sure that I am going to put you to sleep. Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria immediately afterwards, he did reveal where he would like to have his next fight.

Open the White House. I’m going.

Islam Makhachev