Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York, where the former lightweight champion completed his move to welterweight and secured a second UFC title in the UFC 322 main event.
Makhachev, now 28-1, delivered a near flawless showcase of the grappling pressure that has long defined his game. For almost the full 25 minutes he controlled Della Maddalena on the mat, steadily advancing, threatening submissions and denying the Australian any real opportunity to strike. The judges’ scorecards, all 50 to 45, reflected the extent of his dominance.
The victory made Makhachev the 11th fighter in UFC history to win championships in two divisions. It also extended his winning streak to 16, equalling Anderson Silva’s UFC record, and added further weight to a résumé that already included a lightweight record of four title defences before he vacated the 155 pound belt earlier this year.
“This is the dream all my life,” Makhachev said. “I worked hard for this moment.”
Makhachev, who submitted Renato Moicano in January before relinquishing his lightweight crown, appeared energised by the move up in weight. Free from a draining cut, he maintained a relentless pace over five rounds and nullified Della Maddalena in every phase. On the rare occasions the fight returned to the feet, Makhachev’s timing and defensive reads kept the champion at bay.
“I can do whatever I want over five rounds,” he said. “I made this fight look so easy.”
The contest itself lacked sustained drama, largely because Makhachev refused to allow it. Although he never came close to finishing Della Maddalena with strikes, he outclassed the 29 year old in positioning, control and tactical clarity.
A long time teammate of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev once again showcased the principles instilled by their late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, whose methodology centred on absolute ground dominance. “This was my plan,” Makhachev said. “All my opponents know this and nobody can stop this.”
Della Maddalena, making his first title defence after winning his first eight UFC bouts, suffered his first defeat since the opening year of his career in 2016.
After the fight Makhachev declined to name a preferred opponent, instead calling for a spot on the proposed June UFC card at the White House in Washington, D.C. “Open the White House, I am coming,” he said.
