In a historic night at Madison Square Garden in New York, Islam Makhachev conquered the welterweight championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 322.
The three judges awarded a score of 50-45 in favor of Makhachev, solidifying his absolute dominance in the octagon.
With this victory, Makhachev (28-1) tied Anderson Silva’s record in the UFC, achieving his sixteenth consecutive victory. His impressive performance included 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control over Della Maddalena, once again demonstrating his combat prowess.
“This is the dream. I have fought for this all my life. I worked hard for this moment,” declared Makhachev.
Makhachev put on a dominant performance, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling, frustrating Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with a determined expression that turned into despair as the rounds progressed.
Della Maddalena (18-3), who hadn’t lost since his first two professional MMA fights in 2016, came into the contest after winning the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad in May. However, he couldn’t stand up to 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 from the start, securing a takedown and dominating the fight on the ground.
“My life has changed. I didn’t have to lose weight. I can do what I want. It made tonight easy,” Makhachev commented on his move to welterweight from lightweight.
Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev destronó a Jack Della Maddalena en el evento principal del sábado, superando al campeón 123-32 en golpes y acumulando 19:10 de tiempo de control.
Ed Mulholland/Imagn ImagesThe fight was controlled by Makhachev in every aspect. The Russian fighter outstruck Della Maddalena 123-32, using calf kicks that weakened the champion. Makhachev’s superior control was overwhelming for Della Maddalena, who tried to get up and avoid being caught in submissions.
Della Maddalena, resigned to defeat, avoided being finished by Makhachev, who imposed his fight plan.
“This was my plan, and it’s no secret. All my opponents know it, but nobody can stop it,” Makhachev stated.
After establishing himself as one of the best lightweight fighters in UFC history, Makhachev begins a new stage in a welterweight division full of dynamic competitors.
The anticipation of a fight between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, is growing. Topuria, after Saturday’s victory, expressed his confidence in being able to defeat Makhachev.
Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria immediately, he did make it clear where he wants his next fight.
“Open the White House. I’m coming for you,” he declared, referring to the UFC event in 2026.
