Makhachev vs Della Maddalena delivered one of the most decisive championship performances in recent UFC history, as Islam Makhachev rose in weight and dismantled Jack Della Maddalena over five brutal rounds to claim the UFC welterweight belt at UFC 322. The fight, held at Madison Square Garden, showcased Makhachev’s suffocating grappling, elite pressure, and relentless pace — a combination that left the Australian champion with no answers and no space to breathe.
This victory not only made Makhachev the 11th fighter in UFC history to win titles in two divisions, but it also tied Anderson Silva’s legendary 16-fight winning streak, placing him firmly in the conversation among the greatest fighters of this era.
Opening Breakdown: A Calculated Storm
Islam Makhachev has long been known for his cerebral approach, and Makhachev vs Della Maddalena was another example of strategy executed with surgical precision. Instead of rushing into grappling exchanges immediately, Makhachev opened with sharp calf kicks, disrupting Maddalena’s stance and movement.
These kicks were not thrown to score points — they were thrown to collapse the entire foundation of Maddalena’s boxing-centric game. Once the legs slowed, the takedown threat would multiply.
Makhachev’s team from Dagestan called it early:
“Slow him down first, suffocate him next.”
That is exactly what unfolded.
The Wrestling Pressure That Broke the Fight
Once Makhachev sensed Maddalena’s compromised movement, the game plan shifted into full throttle. What followed was vintage Islam Makhachev — suffocating body locks, relentless chain wrestling, and positional dominance that looked effortless but was anything but.
Della Maddalena found himself trapped under Makhachev for extended stretches, absorbing ground pressure, fighting off submissions, and trying to regain guard control. But the Dagestani champion is a different kind of grappler — heavy, methodical, and always two steps ahead.
Makhachev vs Della Maddalena became a masterclass in energy drain. Every escape attempt cost the Australian more than it gained. Every movement created new vulnerability. Every scramble ended with Makhachev in control again.
Not a single moment suggested the tide could turn.
Scorecards Tell the Story: A Clean Sweep
The judges saw it as the world saw it:
50-45, 50-45, 50-45.
A shutout.
A masterclass.
A championship-level demolition.
Della Maddalena, who entered the bout with an 18-fight win streak, left the cage without his belt and without his usual post-fight interview — a testament to how draining and demoralizing the night was.
This was not a back-and-forth war.
This was dominance.
What This Win Means for Islam Makhachev’s Legacy
With the welterweight belt now around his waist, Makhachev becomes:
- A two-division UFC champion
- Holder of a 16-fight UFC win streak (tied with Anderson Silva)
- One of the most dominant grapplers in modern MMA
- A fighter who has beaten champions across two weight classes
The historical implications of Makhachev vs Della Maddalena extend beyond the result. Few fighters have dared to move up and conquer a heavier class while maintaining dominance. Even fewer have done so in the modern UFC era against elite, prime opponents.
Now, Makhachev is no longer simply Khabib’s successor.
He is writing his own chapter — one that could rival his mentor’s legacy.
Makhachev Calls for a White House Fight in 2026
In classic post-victory confidence, Islam Makhachev used his microphone time to call for his first title defense to headline the proposed UFC event on the White House lawn in 2026.
A bold request — but one that reflects his rising star power.
UFC CEO Dana White has previously teased the idea, and a champion as dominant as Makhachev gives the event the credibility it needs.
If it happens, Makhachev vs [Next Challenger] might become one of the most iconic venues in MMA history.
Jack Della Maddalena’s Tough Night: What Went Wrong?
Della Maddalena has long been praised for his boxing angles, pressure, and crisp counters. But Makhachev vs Della Maddalena demonstrated a glaring gap:
He had no answers for elite, Dagestani-style grappling.
Key issues in Maddalena’s performance:
- Too flat-footed due to early calf damage
- Limited offensive wrestling defense
- Difficulty creating separation
- Struggled to stand up once grounded
- No clear plan B when pressured
This loss doesn’t erase his talent or future potential, but it does expose weaknesses he must fix before another title run.
At age 29, Maddalena still has many years left in the sport. But tonight proved the championship level at welterweight is unforgiving.
The Co-Main Event: Shevchenko Dominates Zhang Weili
Although Makhachev vs Della Maddalena headlined the card, the co-main event delivered its own storyline.
Valentina Shevchenko retained her flyweight title by defeating Zhang Weili in a violent and technical shutout. The fight showcased Shevchenko’s impeccable fight IQ, brutal body kicks, and elite grappling transitions.
She became the first female fighter in UFC history to record 60 career takedowns, adding another milestone to her already legendary resume.
In any other event, Shevchenko’s performance would have been the headline. But tonight belonged to Makhachev.
Chaos in the Arena: The Dillon Danis Brawl
Before the main card even took off, chaos erupted when a massive brawl — involving MMA controversial figure Dillon Danis — broke out near one of the fighter tunnels. Security intervened, fans screamed, and the start of the pay-per-view was delayed.
UFC events always attract intensity, but this melee amplified the already-electric atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden.
It set the tone for a night ruled by violence, speed, and dominance.
Early Knockouts Set the Stage for a Violent Night
The card began with explosive finishes:
- Beneil Dariush – Knockout win in 16 seconds
- Carlos Prates – KO at 1:28 of Round 2
- Michael Morales – KO at 3:27 of Round 1
These early finishes created a momentum of chaos that added emotional weight to Makhachev vs Della Maddalena, making the main event feel even more monumental.
Final Takeaway: A New Era in UFC Has Begun
Makhachev vs Della Maddalena wasn’t just a title fight — it was a statement. A showcase of elite-level dominance rarely seen at this stage of the sport. A performance that redefines Islam Makhachev’s place among MMA greats.
He’s no longer just a champion.
He’s a two-division ruler with unstoppable momentum.
He’s the new apex predator of the UFC.
And the question now is no longer whether someone can beat him —
but whether anyone exists in two divisions who can survive him.
This report is based on information originally published by Al Jazeera with additional analysis and context provided by FFR Sports.
