Islam Makhachev Makes History at UFC 322. At UFC 322, Makhachev dominates to create history as the 2-Division Champion. UFC 322 Preview: Zhang Weili and Islam Makhachev Want to Make History in New Weight Classes. At UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, New York, on Saturday night, Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title by unanimous decision after fully controlling Jack Della Maddalena for five rounds, fulfilling his dream of being a two-division champion.
Makhachev won the fight 50-45 according to all three judges.
Makhachev (28-1) achieved his 16th straight victory, matching Anderson Silva’s UFC record. Against Della Maddalena, he had an amazing 19 minutes and 10 seconds of control time, adding yet another highlight to his ten-game winning streak.
Makhachev declared, “This was my dream.” “I have battled for this my entire life. I put in a lot of effort to get here.
Makhachev shut down Della Maddalena with a smothering performance that used head blows, calf kicks, and his elite grappling. Della Maddalena appeared aggressive at first, but by the middle rounds, he had a defeated countenance.
After losing his first two professional bouts in 2016, Della Maddalena (18-3) had not lost since. He defeated Belal Muhammad to win the welterweight title just in May. He appeared utterly defenseless against Makhachev, though, as Makhachev executed every takedown he tried and held the Australian fighter down to the mat for extended periods of time.
Many thought Della Maddalena’s size and boxing may present difficulties, even if Makhachev was the favorite going into the match. However, Makhachev quickly put an end to that notion by taking the champion down and holding him on the mat.
Makhachev claimed that switching from lightweight to welterweight had “changed my life.” “I didn’t need to lose weight. I felt more liberated. That made tonight simple.
Islam Makhachev Makes History at UFC 322
It was, in fact, simple. Makhachev controlled every facet of the battle. He used steady calf kicks to cripple Della Maddalena after outstrengthing him 123–32. Della Maddalena spent the whole of the battle attempting to stand up and avoid submissions since his top control was so powerful.
Even though Della Maddalena had conceded defeat by the third round, he would not allow Makhachev to finish him. The battle was still entirely one-sided even at that point.
Makhachev declared, “This was my plan, and it’s no secret.” “Everyone who opposes me is aware of this, but nobody can stop it.”
Makhachev is starting a new path in a welterweight class full of dangerous competitors after establishing himself as one of the best lightweights in UFC history. Carlos Prates and Michael Morales both put on strong finishes that same evening to bolster their claims to be the leading contenders. Morales eliminated Sean Brady, and Prates overcame Leon Edwards.
However, Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria, the current UFC lightweight champion, is the battle that everyone wants to watch. Topuria attacked Makhachev immediately following his victory, boldly asserting that he could defeat the Russian superstar.
Topuria commented on X, “You’re the most boring thing in this game.” “I’m more confident every day that I’ll put you to sleep.”
Makhachev expressed a great desire for the location of his next battle, even if he did not specifically mention Topuria.
He hinted at the UFC’s big event scheduled for 2026 when he remarked, “Open the White House.” “I’m on my way.”
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