Makhachev Dominates Della Maddalena: New Welterweight Champion at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev fulfilled his goal of becoming a two-division champion on Saturday night. In the main event of UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden in New York, Makhachev submitted Jack Della Maddalena over five rounds, securing the welterweight championship by unanimous decision. 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, achieving his sixteenth consecutive victory. In addition, he accumulated 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time against Della Maddalena, solidifying a decade of invincibility.

This is the dream. I have fought all my life for this. I worked hard for this moment.

Islam Makhachev

Makhachev’s performance was dominant, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling to neutralize Della Maddalena. The latter, who entered the fight with a determined expression, saw that expression transform into one of defeat as the rounds progressed. Della Maddalena (18-3) hadn’t lost since his first two professional MMA fights in 2016. He had won the welterweight title after defeating Belal Muhammad in May. However, he couldn’t handle 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 Della Maddalena’s size and boxing. These concerns quickly dissipated, as Makhachev controlled Della Maddalena’s offense from the start, securing a takedown and keeping the champion on the mat. My life has changed. I didn’t have to cut weight. I can do what I want. He made tonight easy. Makhachev controlled every aspect of the fight, outstriking Della Maddalena 123-32 in strikes. Makhachev’s calf kicks hindered the champion’s movement, and his 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 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 begins a new stage in the welterweight division, which has several dynamic competitors. In the preliminary fights, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales obtained resounding victories, presenting themselves as possible title contenders.

The fight everyone is waiting for is the clash between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria, after Saturday’s victory, expressed his confidence in being able to finish Makhachev. Although Makhachev did not request a fight with Topuria immediately after his victory, he did make it clear where he wants his next fight.

Open the White House. I’m going for it.

Islam Makhachev