Makhachev Dominates: New Welterweight Champion in UFC, Humiliates Della Maddalena

Islam Makhachev Conquers Welterweight Championship at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev fulfilled his goal of becoming a two-division champion on Saturday night by dominating Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds. Makhachev claimed the welterweight championship via unanimous decision at 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 UFC record, achieving his 16th consecutive victory. The Russian fighter demonstrated his dominance during an undefeated decade, accumulating 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control over Della Maddalena. This is the dream. I have fought all my life for this. I worked hard for this moment. Makhachev put on a suffocating performance, combining calf kicks and head strikes with his acclaimed grappling, which hindered the performance of Della Maddalena, who entered the fight with a frown. As the rounds went on, that expression of defiance turned into a look of defeat. Della Maddalena (18-3) hadn’t lost since his first two professional MMA fights in 2016. He had conquered 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 with his back glued to the canvas for long periods. Although Makhachev was the favorite, there was some concern about Della Maddalena’s size and boxing. Those doubts quickly dissipated when Makhachev neutralized 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

Makhachev controlled every aspect of the fight, outstriking Della Maddalena 123-32 in strikes, utilizing calf kicks that hindered the champion’s movement. Makhachev’s superior control was too much for Della Maddalena, who spent a large part 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 by Makhachev. 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 lightweights in UFC history, Makhachev will begin a new stage in a welterweight division full of dynamic fighters. The fight everyone is waiting for is the clash between Makhachev and the UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Topuria reacted to Makhachev’s victory, expressing his confidence in being able to finish one of the best fighters in the world. Although Makhachev did not request a fight against Topuria immediately after the fight, he did reveal where he would like to have his next match.