Makhachev Dominates Della Maddalena and Conquers the Welterweight Championship in UFC

Islam Makhachev Conquers the Welterweight Championship at UFC 322

In a historic night at Madison Square Garden in New York, Islam Makhachev demonstrated his absolute dominance by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision, securing the welterweight championship at UFC 322. The three judges awarded the victory to Makhachev with a score of 50-45. With this victory, Makhachev (28-1) equals Anderson Silva’s record in the UFC with his sixteenth consecutive victory, consolidating a decade of impeccable performance. This is the dream. I have fought for this all my life. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev’s strategy was relentless, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling to stifle Della Maddalena. The latter, who entered the fight with a look of determination, saw that expression transform into resignation as the rounds progressed. Della Maddalena (18-3) had not suffered a defeat since his first two professional fights in 2016 and had won the welterweight title in May. However, he could not counter Makhachev’s strategy, 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 when Makhachev neutralized Della Maddalena’s offense with an initial takedown.

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

Makhachev dominated every aspect of the fight, outstriking Della Maddalena with a strike ratio of 123-32, thanks to effective calf kicks that diminished the champion’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 caught in a submission. Although Della Maddalena could have resigned himself to defeat in the third round, he refused to be finished. However, Makhachev managed to impose 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 begins a new stage in the welterweight division, which houses several dynamic contenders.

Description: Islam Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena in Saturday’s main event, outstriking the champion 123-32 while accumulating 19:10 of control time. The public eagerly awaits the possible 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 immediately after the fight, he did express his desire about the location of his next match.