Makhachev Dominates Della Maddalena and Conquers the Welterweight Championship

Islam Makhachev Conquers Welterweight Championship at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev fulfilled his goal of becoming a champion in two divisions, after dominating Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds. Makhachev won the welterweight title 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 accumulated an impressive control time of 19 minutes and 10 seconds against Della Maddalena, extending his undefeated streak to a decade. This is the dream. I have fought for this all my life. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev executed a dominant performance, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling to neutralize Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with a determined expression. However, as the rounds progressed, that expression changed to one of defeat. Della Maddalena (18-3) hadn’t lost since his first two professional MMA fights in 2016. He had won the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad in May. However, he couldn’t do anything against Makhachev, who secured every takedown he attempted and kept the Australian fighter’s back glued to the canvas for long periods. Although Makhachev was the favorite, there was some concern about the challenges that Della Maddalena’s size and boxing could present. These concerns quickly dissipated, as Makhachev controlled Della Maddalena’s offense with a takedown and kept him on the ground.

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

Indeed, it was easy, as Makhachev controlled every aspect of the fight. The Russian fighter outstruck Della Maddalena 123-32, utilizing 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. Della Maddalena could have resigned himself to defeat in the third round, but refused to be finished by Makhachev. However, Makhachev got his way.

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 possibly the best lightweight in UFC history, Makhachev will begin a new stage in a welterweight division full of dynamic fighters. On the same night, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales achieved stunning finishes to establish themselves as potential title contenders. The fight everyone is waiting for is a showdown between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria targeted Makhachev shortly after Saturday’s victory, showing confidence that he can finish one of the best fighters in the world. Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria after the event, he did make it clear where he wants to have his next fight.