Makhachev Destroys Della Maddalena: New UFC Champion in Two Divisions

Islam Makhachev Conquers Welterweight Championship at UFC 322

In an unforgettable night at Madison Square Garden in New York, Islam Makhachev demonstrated his absolute dominance by defeating Jack Della Maddalena and conquering the welterweight championship at UFC 322. Makhachev, with a masterful performance, won by unanimous decision of the judges after five rounds of intense fighting. The three judges awarded the victory to Makhachev with a score of 50-45. This victory not only grants him the title, but also equals Anderson Silva’s record in the UFC, with 16 consecutive victories. Makhachev accumulated an impressive control time of 19 minutes and 10 seconds against Della Maddalena. This is the dream. All my life I have fought for this. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev’s strategy was clear and effective, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling. This combination completely nullified Della Maddalena, who was unable to counter the Russian’s superiority. Della Maddalena, who arrived with a winning streak, couldn’t find answers to Makhachev’s dominance, who secured every takedown and kept the Australian glued to the mat for long periods. Makhachev controlled every aspect of the fight, outstriking Della Maddalena 123 to 32. Leg kicks were key to diminishing his opponent’s mobility. Makhachev’s superior control was too much for Della Maddalena, who spent much of the fight trying to get up and avoid being submitted. After securing his place as one of the best lightweight fighters in UFC history, Makhachev begins a new stage in the welterweight division, where exciting fights with other contenders are already foreseen. The fight everyone is waiting for is a showdown between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria, immediately after Makhachev’s victory, expressed his confidence in being able to defeat him. Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria immediately, he did make it clear where he wants his next fight.